Cameroon were able to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia at the Roumde Adjia Stadium on Saturday. With the win, Cameroon now sits at the top of Group J after Kenya tied with Zimbabwe earlier in the week.
The team struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but were able to create a couple solid opportunities which they couldn’t quite convert. Carlos Baleba seemed to have the best chance when his long-range effort was well-saved by Edward Maova. Namibia’s Peter Shalulile also threatened early on but was unable to get shots off on target. After 45 minutes the game entered the half 0-0.
In the second half, Cameroon stepped up their intensity and took control of the match. First Jackson Tchatchoua came close to breaking the deadlock in the 58th minute and eventually the breakthrough came from Aboubaker 7 minutes later. He pounced on a rebound from Bryan Mbeumo’s strike to give the home side the lead.
From there Cameroon had a mul;tiple chances to extend their lead and put the game away but were unable to do so. Aboubakar missed a chance when he had just one man to beat late in the game which would have secured the win.
Namibia had a last gasp effort which could’ve equalized in stoppage time but Deon Hotto,’s shot ended up going wide to the relief of Cameroon goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
Overall, both teams got 9 shots off on goal but Cameroon had more on target with 5 compared to Namibia with just 2. The Cameroonians also had a big advantage in ball possession, controlling the ball for 67% of the time.
These two teams will meet once again in Matchday 5 which is set to be played in November this year.
Marc Brys is still undefeated as the Manager of Cameroon after a win against Cape Verde and a draw with Angola in the June 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Given the team’s position currently in their Group, they should be able to get through to the next round with a few more solid games. Their toughest opponent will likely be Kenya who have not been in the best of form as of late.
It should be noted that Cameroon had a difficult time with their team preparation due to disputes over the match venue and team selection. The match was originally set to be played in Douala but was moved to Yaoundé on request from the sports ministry. They then moved the venue once again to Garoua based on a decision from the national football federation and Prime Minister Joseph Ngute.
Team selection created tension as Eto’o threatened to field the under-20 team instead of the senior squad due to ongoing power struggles with the ministry. Ultimately the passports of the senior players were only handed over on the morning of the match. THis left very little time for the team to finalize their playing XI. Despite all the drama, Cameroon are favourites to come out of their Group on top and will have a good chance of qualifying to AFCON 2025.
Next up for Cameroon will be Zimbabwe on Tuesday, September 10 at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. Based on Zimbabwe’s first match against Kenya, Cameroon will go in as healthy favourites. Zimbabwe has been known in the past for playing a defensive style of football which could play right into the hands of a talented Cameroonian team.
Starting Lineups
Cameroon Starting XI
Onana, Tchatchoua, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Wooh, Tolo, Quomah Baleba, Hongla, Anguissa, Mbeumo, Bassogog, Aboubakar
Namibia Starting XI
Maova, Hanamub, Hambira, Kamberipa, Amutenya, Shidolo, Petrus, Katua, Tjiueza, Hotto, Shalulile
