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Langton Nyakwenda in KAMPALA, Uganda

ZIMBABWE coach, Michael Nees, watched and analysed Cameroon’s slender win against Namibia on Saturday evening.

The German gaffer is convinced the Warriors have what it takes to inflict pain on the five-time African champions.

The Indomitable Lions needed a 65th goal from 32-year-old striker Vincent Aboubakar to beat the Brave Warriors of Namibia in an African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade Omnisports Roumde Adjia in Garoua.

That match was played a day after Zimbabwe had laboured to a goalless draw against Kenya in another Group J match at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala.

Cameroon paraded some big hitters like winger Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored three goals in three matches for English Premier League side Brentford, Frank Zambo Anguissa of Napoli, and Christian Bassogog who recently secured a move to the Saudi Arabian League.

Manchester United keeper Andre Onana also featured in that game.

While their physical superiority was something that Nees observed quickly, the German expatriate believed that with a little bit more organisation, Zimbabwe can upstage Cameroon.

The two nations square up at the Mandela Stadium at 6pm today.

“We have the quality to inflict pain on any team, but we need to be up to the game,” Nees told the media.

Influential players Khama Billiat, Tawanda Chirewa (Derby County), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Jordan Zemura (Udinese) and skipper Marshall Munetsi of Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims are some of the key players in Zimbabwe’s starting line-up.

Centre-back Garananga had a knock on the ankle during the match against Kenya but the 23-year-old is fit to face a star-studded Cameroon attack line.

But, all is not well in the Cameroonian camp.

A power struggle between the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and that country’s sports ministry is escalating.

This has shaken the Indomitable Lions and Zimbabwe could take advantage of that and pounce on the Central Africans.

FECAFOOT and the sports ministry are tussling for control of the national team.

The rift started soon after the African Cup of Nations finals early this year when the sports ministry appointed Belgian coach Marc Brys.

The move irked Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o who fired Brys in April before the 62-year-old was reinstated by the government.

So serious is the fight between the government and FECAFOOT over the control of the national team, that two separate hotels were booked in Kampala for the delegation which arrived here on Sunday.

Zimbabwe have been following the events with an obvious keen interest.

The technical team has also been analysing Cameroon’s recent matches, including last Saturday’s 1-0 against Namibia.

“If we can transform everything we are doing in training, then we can do some harm,” says Nees.

“This (Cameroon) is a very routine team, they play a little arrogant, a little bit overconfident because they can score in any game.

“So we have to be solid at the back, we cannot afford to lose organisation.”

Added Nees: “We must not allow their physical and individual strength to decide the game.”

On Sunday, the Warriors concentrated on finishing, during a training session held at the Kampala International School.

Yesterday, Zimbabwe trained at Wankulukuku Stadium after Nees complained about the state of the pitch at Kampala International School.

“We need to take every opportunity seriously, no need to hesitate too much (in front of goal), we need to take destiny in our own hands.

“There are a few situations where we lost our organisation against Kenya, and we must now allow that against Cameroon who are a bit stronger,” said the 58-year-old Nees.

Cardiff City’s Rinomhota, was consistent against Kenya, and the central midfielder will once again form the base of Zimbabwe’s midfield, with Chirewa playing in front of the duo.

It looks like Nees has decided not to tamper with the team that played against the Harambee Stars.

Billiat, Walter Musona, and Prince Dube are likely to play upfront.

“I am looking forward to the game against Cameroon, it’s going to be a test because we all know Cameroon are a good team,” Rinomhota said.

The former Reading player says Zimbabwe has to beat the best if they are to be counted.

“You want to play against the best and to get to the AFCON finals you have to play against the best,” he said.

“We want to get used to playing against top countries, so we are relishing the challenge and hoping to win.

“I think it’s going to be a good test, we all know Cameroon are a good team, but now that we have picked up a point, we will try and build on that, keep the momentum, and try and keep another clean sheet.”

Zimbabwe have played Cameroon in 10 competitive matches since Independence.

The Indomitable Lions have seven wins against Zimbabwe’s three.

“Cameroon have good individual players, so do we. We just have to perform as a collective,” added Rinomhota.

The England-based midfielder is optimistic about the Warriors’ future under Nees.

“We are following the coach’s plans and ideas, he wants us to keep our structure, making sure we are concentrating even in the last minutes of the game and supporting each other.

“If we do that, we will come up with a good result.”