Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is preparing for a crucial moment in Kenya’s journey to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The national team will face Cameroon in back-to-back qualifiers that could significantly impact their chances of making it to Morocco in 2025. As Firat welcomes back two key players, Daniel Anyembe and captain Michael Olunga, there is renewed hope that Kenya will be able to secure positive results against one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
Kenya starts this critical double-header away to Cameroon on October 11, before quickly turning around to play the second leg in Uganda four days later. Firat is confident that the return of his key players will strengthen the squad, but he remains aware of the challenges that lie ahead, including the tight schedule and travel demands.
The Importance of Key Players: Anyembe and Olunga Return
The return of defender Daniel Anyembe, who plays in Denmark, and star striker Michael Olunga, who captains the Harambee Stars, could not come at a better time for coach Firat. Both players missed Kenya’s previous AFCON qualifiers due to injuries, which left a significant gap in the squad. In Olunga’s absence, the team struggled to find the back of the net, especially in the goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
Olunga’s leadership and goal-scoring ability have been critical to Kenya’s success in recent years. As the team captain and one of Kenya’s most prolific forwards, his return adds much-needed firepower to a team that has been lacking in front of goal. Firat has emphasized that having a player of Olunga’s caliber will not only improve the team’s goal-scoring chances but also boost morale.
“Olunga’s absence was felt in our last matches. Without him, our attack lacked sharpness, especially against Zimbabwe where we failed to score. With him back, I’m confident we will be stronger and more dangerous in attack,” said Firat.
Similarly, Daniel Anyembe’s return is crucial to Kenya’s defense. The Denmark-based defender brings stability and experience to the backline, which will be necessary when facing a team like Cameroon that boasts world-class attackers. Anyembe’s composure and defensive intelligence will be key in neutralizing Cameroon’s offensive threats.
Tough Group Position and the Challenge of Facing Cameroon
Kenya is currently in a strong position in their qualifying group, sitting at the top with four points after two matches. They managed to draw 0-0 against Zimbabwe and secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Namibia. However, facing Cameroon presents a different challenge altogether. The Indomitable Lions are one of Africa’s most successful football nations, known for their physicality, speed, and tactical prowess.
For Kenya, these two matches against Cameroon could make or break their AFCON qualification campaign. A positive result in either game would significantly boost their chances of advancing to the tournament in Morocco. Firat is fully aware of the challenge that Cameroon poses but believes that with the return of his key players, his team has a fighting chance.
“We know that Cameroon is a tough opponent, but we are preparing well, and I’m happy to have a stronger squad this time around. It will be difficult, but we’re going into these matches with confidence,” Firat said.
#HarambeeStars ctops the Group J table in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers
This is after they beat Namibia 2-1 today at the Orlando Stadium, in South Africa. https://t.co/OLtrU0Gmqk
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) September 10, 2024
Cameroon has consistently been one of Africa’s top teams, and their home advantage in the first match will make things even more challenging for Kenya. The Indomitable Lions will be eager to secure a win on home soil, but Firat is hopeful that his team can absorb the pressure and perhaps snatch a vital point before heading into the return leg.
ALSO READ:
- Olunga’s Presence Makes Harambee Stars a More Lethal Force, Says Former Teammate Situma
- Firat Blasts Kenyan Fans for Lack of Support Despite Dominant Win Over Namibia
- Nine Months Without Pay: Urgent Call to Address Engin Firat’s Salary Crisis
Tight Schedule and Travel Concerns
One of the biggest challenges Kenya faces is the tight schedule between the two matches. After playing the first leg in Cameroon on October 11, Harambee Stars will have just four days to recover and prepare for the return match, which will take place in Uganda. The quick turnaround could affect the players’ physical and mental readiness, especially given the travel involved.
Firat has expressed concern about the short time available for recovery and preparation, particularly since both matches are away from home. The coach hinted that Kenya may need to charter a plane to ensure that the players arrive in Uganda refreshed and ready to compete.
“The schedule is not ideal with only four days between the matches, and travel can make things even more difficult. We might need to charter a flight to ensure the team is well-rested and prepared for the second game in Uganda,” Firat said.
In the past, the Kenyan government has provided chartered flights for the national team, especially when playing in West Africa, where travel schedules can be complicated. Firat hopes that similar support will be provided for the upcoming qualifiers, as the logistical challenges of travel between Cameroon and Uganda could impact the team’s performance.
The Absence of Key Players Still a Concern
While the return of Anyembe and Olunga has boosted the team, Firat has confirmed that other important players may not be available for the Cameroon ties. Masoud Juma and Ayub Timbe, who are recovering from injuries, are still not match-fit. Firat indicated that these players have just resumed training and may be available for the final rounds of the qualifiers but will likely miss the Cameroon matches.
“They are still not fully fit for competitive matches. We hope they will be ready for the last leg of the qualifiers, but for now, we will have to do without them,” Firat revealed.
Despite these absences, Firat remains optimistic about the team’s chances. He is confident that the players available will step up and deliver strong performances against Cameroon.
Firat Confident Despite Challenges
As Kenya gears up for two crucial AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon, coach Engin Firat is optimistic that his strengthened squad can deliver positive results. The return of Michael Olunga and Daniel Anyembe is a huge boost for the team, offering both leadership and quality in key areas of the pitch. However, the challenges of facing a team like Cameroon, coupled with the tight schedule between the two matches, mean that Kenya will need to be at their best to maintain their top position in the group.
With the government potentially stepping in to assist with travel logistics, and Firat’s tactical planning in place, Harambee Stars are poised to give their all in the pursuit of AFCON qualification. Fans will be watching eagerly as the team takes on one of Africa’s giants, hopeful that Kenya can secure a spot in Morocco in 2025.
