Next month, Kenya’s Harambee Stars will face a critical challenge in their journey to AFCON 2025 as they take on five-time champions Cameroon in two key matches. Both teams are at the top of Group J, level on points, and the outcome of these matches will be crucial in deciding who secures a spot in the tournament set to be held in Morocco.
Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana has highlighted Kenya as the biggest threat to their qualification hopes. Onana acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming fixtures, noting Kenya’s strong position in the group and their potential to disrupt Cameroon’s plans.
“Kenya is the only team in our group that is giving us real competition. But we are determined to finish in one of the top two positions to qualify for AFCON,” Onana said.
Kenya currently leads Group J with four points, tied with Cameroon but ahead due to goal difference. The Harambee Stars have scored two goals to Cameroon’s one, while Zimbabwe sits in third place with two points, and Namibia remains at the bottom after losing both of their matches.
Reflecting on Cameroon’s recent goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Kampala, Onana admitted the match was challenging but emphasized that every point counts. “The game against Zimbabwe was tough, but earning a point is still a positive result,” he remarked.
Onana, who was warmly welcomed by Manchester United fans in Uganda during the game, expressed his gratitude for the support he received. “I was touched by the love from the Ugandan Manchester United fans at Namboole Stadium,” he said.
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Kenyan head coach Engin Firat, however, is unfazed by Cameroon’s reputation and warned them not to underestimate his team. Firat noted Kenya’s recent successes, including their strong performances against major teams like Ivory Coast, Russia, and Qatar, and highlighted the unity and determination within the squad.
“Cameroon shouldn’t think we’re an easy team to beat. They should be preparing to handle us because we’ve shown we can compete with the best. The boys have been unbeaten all year, and for the first time, we’ve won a trophy abroad,” Firat stated confidently.
As the two teams prepare for these decisive fixtures, both sides will be aiming to secure their place in AFCON 2025. With so much at stake, these matches promise to be intense battles that could determine the future of both teams in the tournament.
