In a tightly contested 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Cameroon emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.
The match saw resilience, tactical adjustments, and thrilling moments, as Cameroon secured vital points in the qualification race.
Despite a determined fight from Zimbabwe, who leveled the score in the second half, Cameroon capitalized on their opportunities to take home all three points.
Here are the individual player ratings for both teams:
Cameroon Player Ratings:
Andre Onana (Goalkeeper): 7.0
Made key saves to keep his team in the game, maintaining a solid performance in goal.
Collins Fai (Right Back): 6.8
Provided defensive support and contributed to the attack, though not overly involved offensively.
Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui (Centre Back): 7.2
Strong in the air and on the ground, Ngadeu was key to Cameroon’s defensive structure.
Jean-Charles Castelletto (Centre Back): 6.9
Solid defensively, though he came on late to help preserve the lead.
Nouhou Tolo (Left Back): 6.7
Offered some attacking threat but was often pinned back by Zimbabwe’s counterattacks.
Zambo Anguissa (Midfielder): 7.4
Dominated the midfield with his presence, winning challenges and distributing the ball well.
Pierre Kunde Malong (Midfielder): 7.0
Contributed to both defensive stability and ball progression in the midfield.
Georges-Kévin Nkoudou (Winger): 8.2
Scored the opening goal and was a constant threat in the attack. His pace and movement were difficult for Zimbabwe’s defenders to handle.
Vincent Aboubakar (Striker): 7.4
Played a pivotal role in maintaining offensive pressure and scored the match-winning goal. His leadership was crucial throughout the match.
Karl Toko Ekambi (Winger): 6.6
Though lively, Ekambi didn’t have the same impact as his teammates, often unable to break through Zimbabwe’s defense.
Christian Bassogog (Winger): 6.5
Was less involved in the match but provided some width and pace when needed.
Substitutes:
Patrick Soko (Midfielder): 6.6
Provided some energy after coming on in the 69th minute.
Yvan Neyou (Midfielder): 6.5
Came on late but helped maintain possession in Cameroon’s favor.
Nicolas Ngamaleu (Winger): 6.4
His late appearance didn’t significantly change the flow of the game, but he helped maintain the tempo.
Zimbabwe Player Ratings:
Washington Arubi (Goalkeeper): 6.9
Made several important saves to keep Zimbabwe in the game, although he couldn’t stop both of Cameroon’s goals.
Kudakwashe Mahachi (Right Back): 6.8
A solid defensive performance, though he struggled to deal with Cameroon’s attacking threats.
Teenage Hadebe (Centre Back): 6.7
Was physically strong but was outmuscled in the air on a few occasions.
Kudzanai Nyakasikana (Centre Back): 6.9
Played well defensively but was unable to stop Nkoudou or Aboubakar in key moments.
Jordan Zemura (Left Back): 7.2
Provided an assist for Dzvukamanja’s goal and was Zimbabwe’s main outlet down the left.
Marvelous Nakamba (Midfielder): 8.0
A standout player in midfield, Nakamba’s tackling and distribution were vital in keeping Zimbabwe competitive.
Tafadzwa Rusike (Midfielder): 6.5
Had limited influence in the midfield and struggled to impose himself in the face of Cameroon’s pressure.
Ovidy Karuru (Midfielder): 6.4
Was involved in the attacking phase but struggled to find space against Cameroon’s tight defense.
Douglas Mapfumo (Attacking Midfielder): 6.8
Tried to create opportunities but was often isolated. His creativity was stifled by Cameroon’s defense.
Tinashe Dzvukamanja (Forward): 7.6
Scored the equalizer and was one of Zimbabwe’s most dangerous attacking players. His energy and perseverance were commendable.
Khama Billiat (Forward): 6.7
Though lively, Billiat was unable to find his rhythm, often crowded out by Cameroon’s defense.
Substitutes:
- Wellington Musona (Forward): 6.5
Had little impact after coming on but tried to bring some creativity into Zimbabwe’s attack. - Peter Dube (Midfielder): 6.4
Came on late but could not break through the Cameroon defense.
