Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions showcased their dominance in Group J of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé. The win ensured Cameroon finished their qualifying run unbeaten at the top of the group with 14 points. Despite the loss, Zimbabwe secured second place with nine points and also earned a spot in the upcoming tournament.
The match saw Cameroon’s strong start with two goals in the first 23 minutes, putting Zimbabwe on the back foot. Captain Vincent Aboubakar opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a powerful strike, followed by Georges-Kévin N’Koudou doubling the lead five minutes later. Zimbabwe fought back with Terrence Dzvukamanja’s goal in the 73rd minute, but they couldn’t find an equalizer despite late chances.
On the other hand, Kenya and Namibia battled to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Kenya secured third place in the group with six points, while Namibia finished at the bottom with two points. Namibia struggled throughout the qualifiers, failing to secure a single win and only scoring two goals in six matches.
The final standings of Group J are as follows:
– Cameroon: 14 points
– Zimbabwe: 9 points
– Kenya: 6 points
– Namibia: 2 points
Cameroon’s impressive performance in the qualifiers sets a strong foundation for their campaign in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament. With their unbeaten run and top finish in the group, they are poised to be a formidable contender. Zimbabwe’s qualification marks a return to the prestigious tournament, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Meanwhile, Kenya and Namibia will look to regroup and improve their performance in future competitions after finishing third and fourth in the group, respectively. The qualifiers have highlighted the competitive nature of African football, with teams pushing themselves to secure a spot in the continental tournament.
As the Africa Cup of Nations draws near, fans can expect thrilling matches and fierce competition as the best teams from the continent battle for glory. The qualifying matches have set the stage for an exciting tournament, and football enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the action to unfold on the pitch.
