Kenya’s Harambee Stars suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Cameroon in their AFCON qualifier on Friday, 11 October 2024. The loss has sparked widespread criticism, especially directed at goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who was at fault for two of the goals. Despite the mounting pressure, Kenya’s head coach Engin Firat has publicly defended Matasi, stressing the importance of collective responsibility and expressing his frustration over questionable officiating that he believes played a role in the team’s downfall.
Matasi’s Costly Mistakes Draw Criticism
Matasi, known for his previous strong performances for Harambee Stars, had an off day in Yaoundé. His uncharacteristically shaky display saw him directly responsible for Cameroon’s second and fourth goals. These mistakes turned the tide of the match, allowing Cameroon to capitalize and extend their lead.
The Kenyan goalkeeper has been criticized before for errors in high-profile matches, but this latest display has reignited debate over whether he is still the best option for the national team. Fans and pundits alike questioned Firat’s decision to start Matasi, given his recent inconsistent form, leading to discussions about whether a change should be made in the squad for the return leg.
However, despite the wave of negative attention, Firat remained composed and loyal to his player.
Firat Stands by His Goalkeeper
In a press conference on Sunday, 13 October, held in Uganda ahead of the return leg at Namboole Stadium, Firat was philosophical about the situation. “We win together, we lose together,” Firat stated when asked about Matasi’s performance. “If any player doesn’t bring the performance that everybody expects, then of course I have to react.” While Firat did not give a direct answer regarding whether Matasi would be benched for the next match, his comments indicated that the final decision would be based on overall team performance rather than singling out individual players.
Firat’s approach reflects his belief in maintaining unity within the team, especially during challenging moments. He emphasized that placing all the blame on Matasi would be unfair, given that several factors contributed to the loss.
“We tried to analyze what happened, and the biggest difference in the game was the aggressiveness between Kenya and Cameroon,” Firat explained. “We came out of the game with a very big disappointment.” This acknowledgment shows that Firat is aware of the team’s shortcomings and is actively seeking solutions ahead of the return fixture.
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Controversial Penalty Decision
In addition to Matasi’s errors, Firat expressed frustration with some of the refereeing decisions during the match, particularly a penalty that was awarded to Cameroon in the 8th minute. The penalty came after Kenyan defender Eric Ouma was penalized for allegedly handling the ball inside the box. Cameroon converted the penalty, setting the tone for the match and giving them an early lead.
Firat did not mince his words when discussing the incident. “The penalty — it’s a joke,” he said. “We didn’t even touch the ball; it didn’t change direction, but the referee didn’t issue a yellow card to someone he claimed handled the ball.” The decision was one of several that Firat and his team felt were questionable, contributing to their frustration and ultimately impacting their performance on the pitch.
The Call for VAR in African Qualifiers
Firat took the opportunity to call for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in African football qualifiers. “It’s high time African football brought in VAR. It’s for all of us, not just for one side, because conceding a penalty in the 8th minute has a huge psychological impact on the outcome of the game,” Firat argued.
VAR has become a common feature in many top international football competitions, helping to reduce human errors in crucial decisions like penalties, offside calls, and potential red-card incidents. Firat’s call for VAR in African football reflects a growing sentiment among players, coaches, and fans that the continent needs to adopt the technology to ensure fairer outcomes.
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4 -1#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/RUK5xv7drF
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 11, 2024
The introduction of VAR would be a significant step forward for African football, providing teams with more confidence in the decisions being made on the field. As it stands, controversial calls like the one seen in Kenya’s defeat to Cameroon can have lasting effects on a team’s morale and overall chances of success in qualifiers.
Kenya’s Plan for Redemption
With the first leg behind them, Kenya now turns their focus to the return leg against Cameroon, scheduled for Monday, 14 October at Namboole Stadium in Uganda. The team will be looking to redeem themselves after a tough outing in Yaoundé, and Firat has hinted at possible changes in the lineup to strengthen the squad’s chances.
“We have analyzed what went wrong, and the players know what is expected of them,” Firat said. “We need to show more aggressiveness and discipline in the next game.”
The coach also acknowledged the psychological impact of the early penalty and other setbacks, but he is confident that his team can bounce back with the right mindset and strategy.
