2024-11-13 14:57:00
With ten points on the clock, the Indomitable Lions already had their ticket in their pocket before facing Namibia, Wednesday November 13, during the 5th day of the qualifiers for the 2025 African Cup of Nations. Cameroon only won a draw (0-0), but consolidated its first place in group J.
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CAN 2025 qualifiers: the program, schedule and all the results of the 5th and 6th days
A tasteless match
It was in total silence that this match took place at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. The Namibian football federation has in fact decided to play the match behind closed doors, without giving the reasons for this choice.
With a shortened preparation and the absence of many executives like Carlos Baleba, Zambo Anguissa and Bryan Mbeumo, the Cameroonians did not appear particularly sparkling during the first period. Even if they have possession of the ball, they are not able to worry their opponents. While their duel against the Brave Warriors should only have been a formality given the difference in level between the two selections, it was ultimately the Namibians, already eliminated, who showed themselves to be the most enterprising.
The latter have the clearest opportunities, while the Indomitable Lions do not score a single shot. Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana had to make a nice save on a strike from Peter Shalulile in the 42nd minute.
At the start of the second half, the courageous warriors set off again at the same pace. Attacking midfielder Prins Tjiueza twice found the post, while Andre Onana was beaten. In the 67th minute, Georges-Kévin Nkoudou finally allowed the Cameroonians to raise their heads with a first shot on target. In the 83rd minute, his teammate, striker and star scorer Vincent Aboubakar, also tried to clear the counter, but his attempt missed the Namibian goal.
Thanks to this draw, the Indomitable Lions retain their first place in Group J with 11 points, while the Namibians get their first point in these qualifiers. Marc Brys’ players will face Zimbabwe on Monday, on the 6th and final day, who have the opportunity to take the lead in the group if they succeed on Friday against Kenya.
Also readCAN 2025 in Morocco: who are the 24 qualified countries?
Countries already qualified: Morocco (host country), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, Senegal, Angola, DR Congo, Egypt.
Countries already eliminated: Liberia, Eswatini, Namibia, South Sudan, Burundi, Malawi.
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**Interview with Football Analyst, Sophie N’Guessan, on Cameroon’s Performance in the CAN 2025 Qualifiers**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Sophie. The recent match between Cameroon and Namibia ended in a goalless draw. What are your thoughts on the Indomitable Lions’ performance, considering they had already secured their spot in the upcoming African Cup of Nations?
**Sophie N’Guessan:** Thank you for having me. It was certainly an unusual match, especially with the lack of atmosphere having been played behind closed doors. For Cameroon, it was more about maintaining their unbeaten streak in the qualifiers than securing a victory, so in that sense, a draw still consolidated their first place in Group J.
**Editor:** You mentioned the atmosphere; how do you think the closed-door policy affected the players and the game?
**Sophie N’Guessan:** Playing in silence can be quite disorienting for players. It takes away the usual adrenaline from the crowd, which can affect performance levels. For Cameroon, lacking key players like Carlos Baleba and Zambo Anguissa also contributed to a less dynamic showing. They struggled to convert possession into real chances, which was disappointing to see given their potential.
**Editor:** It sounds like they might have been a bit underprepared. Do you think the shortened preparation period impacted their performance?
**Sophie N’Guessan:** Absolutely. A strong preparation phase is crucial, especially in international qualifiers where cohesion and strategy are vital. With the absence of several key players, it was challenging for the squad to find their rhythm, and that became evident in their inability to create goal-scoring opportunities.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what should Cameroon focus on before the African Cup of Nations?
**Sophie N’Guessan:** They need to work on their attack and integrate their key players into the squad as soon as possible. They’ll also have to develop a stronger chemistry among the available players to ensure they can perform at their peak. It will be crucial for them to regain their confidence and address the gaps in their gameplay to be competitive in the CAN.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Sophie. It will be interesting to see how the team evolves as they prepare for the tournament.
**Sophie N’Guessan:** My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing their progress.
