The upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Kenya and Cameroon, scheduled for October 14th, will be played behind closed doors at Namboole Stadium in Uganda. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) recently announced that no fans will be allowed to attend the match due to security and logistical concerns. This news has disappointed fans who were planning to travel to Uganda to support the Harambee Stars in their crucial qualification campaign.
As Kenya sits at the top of Group J alongside Cameroon, both teams are battling for a spot in the prestigious AFCON tournament to be held in Morocco. With two critical matches ahead, Kenya’s head coach Engin Firat has named a provisional 28-man squad, and the team will enter camp on Friday to prepare for the challenging fixtures. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the closed-door match, the importance of the upcoming qualifiers, and the key players to watch.
Your #HarambeeStars AFCON 2025 qualifiers provisional Squad. #Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/jqqeO6O6Q9
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 2, 2024
Why Is the Match Being Played Behind Closed Doors?
The decision to play the AFCON qualifier between Kenya and Cameroon without fans came as a surprise to many. While the FKF did not provide specific details, it is understood that security and logistical challenges in Uganda prompted the move. Hosting a high-stakes international match between two of Africa’s top footballing nations requires a substantial level of coordination, and the decision was likely made to avoid any potential risks associated with crowd control or venue management.
This isn’t the first time Kenya has faced such challenges. The Harambee Stars have been hosting their home matches in Uganda because no stadium in Kenya currently meets the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA accreditation standards. Kenya last hosted a competitive international match on home soil in November 2021 when they defeated Rwanda 2-1 at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
While Kenya’s supporters will be unable to attend the match in person, the game remains crucial for the national team’s chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025. The Harambee Stars are aiming to return to the tournament after missing out on the 2021 edition.
Key Fixtures in Group J: Kenya vs Cameroon
Kenya and Cameroon both have four points from their first two matches in Group J, making these back-to-back fixtures a critical moment in the qualification campaign. Kenya began their campaign with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe, followed by a 2-1 win over Namibia. Cameroon also secured a victory over Namibia and a draw against Zimbabwe, putting the two nations on equal footing.
The first leg of the double-header will be held on October 11th at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon. This away fixture will be a challenging test for the Harambee Stars, as they face a Cameroon side that has historically performed well in AFCON qualifiers. Cameroon, a five-time AFCON champion, will be eager to secure three points at home and take control of the group.
After the match in Douala, Kenya will return to Uganda for the closed-door second leg on October 14th. With both matches likely to have a significant impact on the group standings, Kenya will need to put in strong performances to maintain their position at the top of Group J and keep their AFCON hopes alive.
Kenya’s 28-Man Squad: Preparing for the Challenge
Earlier this week, head coach Engin Firat named his provisional 28-man squad for the crucial AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, many of whom play in top leagues around the world. Firat has called up players who have consistently performed well for the national team and in their respective club competitions.
Goalkeepers:
- Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC)
- Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police)
- Byrne Omondi (Bandari)
Defenders:
- Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
- Daniel Anyembe (Viborg)
- Amos Nondi (Ararat)
- Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
- Johnstone Omurwa (Abha)
- Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina)
- Joseph Okumu (Reims)
- Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia)
- Eric Ouma (Rakow)
Midfielders:
- David Odoyo (Tusker)
- Chrispine Erambo (Tusker)
- Richard Odada (Dundee United)
- John Ochieng (Zanaco)
- Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg)
- Anthony Akumu (Kheybar)
- Duke Abuya (Yanga)
- Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK)
- Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
Forwards:
- John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid)
- Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman)
- Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland)
- Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
- Adam Wilson (New Saints)
- Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)
The inclusion of star striker Michael Olunga will be vital for Kenya’s chances. Olunga, who plays for Al-Duhail in Qatar, has been Kenya’s most consistent goal scorer and is expected to lead the attacking line against Cameroon. In midfield, players like Richard Odada, who plays for Dundee United, will be tasked with controlling the tempo and dictating play. At the back, defenders like Joseph Okumu, who has impressed for Reims in France, will need to be at their best to contain Cameroon’s attacking threats.
The Road to AFCON 2025: What’s at Stake?
For Kenya, qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco is more than just an opportunity to compete at Africa’s premier football event—it’s a chance to solidify their position as one of the continent’s rising football nations. Kenya last participated in the AFCON in 2019, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The team’s failure to qualify for the 2021 edition was a setback, but with a talented squad and an experienced coach in Engin Firat, Kenya is well-positioned to return to the competition.
Two teams from Group J will qualify for AFCON 2025, and with Kenya and Cameroon both in strong positions, these next two matches will likely decide who secures a place in the tournament. The Harambee Stars have shown resilience in their first two matches, but the challenge ahead is significant, as they face one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
A Pivotal Moment for Kenyan Football
The upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon represent a pivotal moment for Kenyan football. While the decision to play the second leg behind closed doors in Uganda is disappointing for fans, the focus remains on the players and their ability to secure vital points in Group J. With a talented squad and a determined coach, Kenya has a real chance to make a statement in these qualifiers.
The Harambee Stars must rise to the occasion, starting with a tough away fixture in Douala, followed by the closed-door match in Uganda. If Kenya can navigate these challenges successfully, they will be one step closer to realizing their dream of competing in AFCON 2025.
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