The most shocking result in the concluded March FIFA International window was perhaps the barren draw between minnows Eswatini and five-time African champions Cameroon.The Indomitable Lions were largely expected to maul Eswatini a good one and take control of Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.However, despite unleashing a star-studded line-up, Cameroon received a rude awakening at the Mbombela Stadium in South Africa as Eswatini fought tooth and nail to bag their first point in the group.At the centre of the hard-fought positive result for Eswatini was former Gor Mahia coach Zdravko Logarusic, who inspired his charges to match Cameroon up to the final whistle.##NAJAVA_MECA_8812245##In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Logarusic admitted that he invested heavily in research and analyzing some of the big names in the Cameroonian team.The former Kenya Police tactician revealed that he watched several English Premier League matches in a bid to spot the strengths and weaknesses of the trio of Manchester United’s Andre Onana, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.“Of course, I was analyzing their matches,” conceded Logarusic.Egypt awarded U20 AFCON hosting rights following Ivory Coast’s withdrawalFollowing the performances of the big names and the Cameroonian team in general was not enough for Logarusic, as he had to get his tactics right.He says, minimizing the space and taking advantage of the transitions are secrets that worked well in the match.“Football is very simple. Create space, use space, and cut the space. This is exactly what we did against them. We cut the space completely and tried not to give them room between our lines. We had some chances from the counterattacks. They also had their chances, but our goalkeeper reacted well,” he explained.Aubameyang keen on clinching 2025 AFCON title with GabonFootball education and experience of coaching on the continent are factors that the former AFC Leopards gaffer believes made a difference in the game.Taking pressure off the shoulders of the players and encouraging them to go for nothing short of a positive result also worked to their advantage.“I used my knowledge, experience, and education in the match. I have coached four national teams and big clubs in Africa. I have been a head coach for 25 years, and through my experience, it worked. It was a nice challenge. I asked my players to enjoy the game, play with a smile, be the best out of possession, and remain focused,” said the UEFA Pro license holder.We are not going for a trip: Ochieng backs Rising Stars to clinch AFCON U20 titleWith Eswatini set to travel to Cameroon for the return match, the former Zimbabwe head coach remains hopeful of doing well in away territory.“Our job is to try our best. I know they did not expect to drop the two points, and I know they will be eager to face us again. I know it will be much more difficult, but football is all about 90 minutes. Hopefully, we will make the country proud again,” added Logarusic, who was appointed seven months ago.
