Harambee Stars’ seven-match unbeaten streak came to a crushing end in Yaoundé as Cameroon stormed to a 4-1 victory in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The Indomitable Lions, led by the brilliant Christian Bassogog and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, dominated the game from start to finish, leaving Kenya with a mountain to climb in their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign. Despite a valiant effort, Michael Olunga’s solitary goal was little more than a consolation as the Indomitable Lions asserted their authority.
Cameroon’s Midfield Masterclass
From the outset, Cameroon controlled the tempo of the match, with Napoli’s André-Frank Zambo Anguissa running the midfield like a seasoned conductor. His physical dominance and excellent ball distribution kept the Harambee Stars chasing shadows for most of the match. Anguissa’s command in the center of the park made it impossible for Kenya to gain a foothold, while his ability to link up play between defense and attack was instrumental in Cameroon’s success.
Christian Bassogog was another thorn in Kenya’s side, causing havoc with his relentless runs and clever positioning. His quick feet and direct approach terrorized the Kenyan defense, especially on the flanks, where Kenya struggled to contain his movements. Cameroon’s speed and technical prowess were on full display, with the Harambee Stars often left scrambling to prevent further damage.
Blunders Cost Harambee Stars
Kenya’s problems were compounded by individual errors, most notably from goalkeeper Patrick Matasi. Matasi, who has had his fair share of blunders in the past, once again had a game to forget. His misjudgment and poor handling contributed to at least two of Cameroon’s goals, while the Kenyan backline failed to deal with crosses effectively.
Cameroon exploited Kenya’s defensive weaknesses, taking full advantage of their failure to clear balls from dangerous areas. With each error, the Indomitable Lions grew in confidence, pressing high up the pitch and forcing Kenya into mistakes. Kenya’s inability to cope with the physical and tactical demands of the game was evident as the match wore on, with the defense looking increasingly shaky under pressure.
Adding to Kenya’s misery was an inexplicable penalty decision, which allowed Cameroon to further extend their lead. The decision left Kenya reeling and effectively ended any hopes of a comeback.
Michael Olunga’s Consolation
As expected, Michael Olunga was Kenya’s brightest spark in attack. The towering striker did his best to inspire a fightback, and his goal, which came from a well-placed finish, gave the Harambee Stars a glimmer of hope. However, Olunga found himself isolated for much of the match, with Cameroon’s defense keeping a close eye on his movements.
Despite his best efforts, Olunga lacked the necessary support from the midfield and wing play, which failed to provide him with the service he needed to threaten Cameroon’s backline consistently. Without a reliable supply of crosses or through balls, Olunga was left feeding off scraps, and Kenya’s attack sputtered as a result.
Precarious Position in AFCON Qualification
The defeat leaves Harambee Stars in a precarious position as they now face an uphill battle to qualify for AFCON 2025 in Morocco. With three games remaining in the qualifiers, including the return leg against Cameroon, Kenya must regroup quickly. Coach Engin Firat has much to address, from the defensive frailties to the lack of composure in midfield.
The upcoming match on Monday in Uganda will be a true test of character for Firat’s side. A victory is crucial if Kenya is to keep its qualification hopes alive. Firat will need to consider tactical changes, particularly in defense, to avoid a repeat of the errors that led to their downfall in Yaoundé.
Will Firat Change Tactics?
Firat now faces critical decisions regarding his tactics and starting lineup. One pressing question is whether he will make significant adjustments to shore up the defense and provide more stability in midfield. Harambee Stars’ inability to cope with Cameroon’s pressing game exposed their tactical naivety, and Firat may need to employ a more conservative approach to avoid another heavy defeat.
Who Replaces Matasi?
Matasi’s poor performance will also raise questions about his future in goal. With the return leg just days away, Firat may be forced to make a change between the posts. Whether he opts to stick with Matasi or give another goalkeeper a chance remains to be seen, but a decision must be made swiftly to restore confidence at the back.
The return leg on Monday offers Harambee Stars a chance for redemption, but they will need to drastically improve their performance if they are to avoid another painful defeat and reignite their AFCON 2025 hopes.
