AFCON 2025 Q: Lions keep invincibility to extend Nambia’s winless run

By Esther E. Otto

_In a tense showdown in Johannesburg, South Africa, Collins Benjamin and the Brave Warriors managed to hold the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to a goalless draw

_Despite Cameroon dominating possession and notching up 2 shots on target, they were unable to break the deadlock against Namibia.

Namibia’s winless streak in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign continued this following a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cameroon in Group J at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, while Cameroon kept their invincible run (5 games without defeat).

With Cameroon setting out a much changed side for their clash in Orlando, Namibia held their own during the opening stages of the match and took the game to the Indomitable Lions by recording the first shots at goal.

While Namibia remained aggressive during counter-pressing situations in the middle of the park, Cameroon began seeing more of the ball midway through the first half. However, Andre Onana and company battled to make the most of their forward movements and often fell short at the final hurdle.

The Brave Warriors provided Cameroon with a couple of nervy moments en-route to the half-time whistle with Onana required to make two big saves to deny his Group J counterparts. However, Cameroon remained alert to the gaps left in defence by Namibia and often looked dangerous on the break.

Nevertheless, the referee called time on the first 45 with the score level at 0-0.

Namibia looked lively during the first 10 minutes of the new half as Prins Tjiueza came close to opening the scoring following the 50th minute mark. After latching onto a cross into the area, Tjiueza’s header struck the upright, before following through with another effort that hit the crossbar.

The Brave Warriors continued to cause havoc inside the Cameroon half after an hour played in Soweto while the Indomitable Lions struggled to make their chances stick at the other end of the pitch.

There was little to separate the two nations after 80 minutes played, however, Cameroon edged Namibia to the possession count as the clocked winded down. Vincent Aboubakar picked up favourable positions inside the Namibia 18-yard-area on numerous occasions but was often met with tenacious defending by the opposing backline.

Nonetheless, neither side were able to break the deadlock after 90 minutes of football as the referee called time on the affair with the score set at 0-0.