Cameroon completed their double over Kenya in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. A 63rd-minute goal from Borris Enow proved decisive, moving Cameroon to the top of Group ‘J’ with 10 points and putting them five points clear of second-placed Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Kenya’s Harambee Stars remain third in the group with four points, following a match that saw them display significant improvement compared to their previous encounter.
A Tactical Overhaul for Kenya
Kenya entered the game seeking redemption after a humbling 4-1 defeat to Cameroon just days earlier in Douala. Harambee Stars’ head coach Engin Firat took drastic measures, opting to overhaul the lineup in a bid to boost the team’s performance. Key to this was the decision to drop goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who was at fault for two goals in the previous match, in favor of Bryne Omondi. Matasi’s errors had drawn widespread criticism, and Firat’s decision to give Omondi a chance in goal seemed to breathe new life into Kenya’s defense.
Firat also made adjustments up front. Captain Michael Olunga, who missed the previous matches due to injury, returned to the starting lineup, partnering with John Avire in attack. Avire, who had scored in Kenya’s 2-1 victory against Namibia earlier in the qualifiers, had impressed in his cameo against Cameroon in the first leg and was rewarded with a start.
The reshuffled lineup appeared to pay off initially, as Kenya looked far more organized and dangerous than they had in Douala. Olunga and Avire combined well in the early stages, putting pressure on Cameroon’s defense, but the team struggled to convert their promising build-up play into clear goal-scoring opportunities.
Borris Enow Breaks the Deadlock
Despite Kenya’s early promise, it was Cameroon who found the breakthrough. In the 63rd minute, Borris Enow latched onto a pass just outside the box and rifled a shot past Omondi to give Cameroon the lead. The goal, coming against the run of play, stunned the Harambee Stars, who had managed to keep the Indomitable Lions relatively quiet for much of the match.
After the goal, Kenya responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Olunga came close on a couple of occasions, including a powerful header that narrowly missed the target, but Cameroon’s defense held firm. Despite Kenya’s best efforts, they were unable to find a way through, and Cameroon secured a vital win that put them firmly in control of the group.
Cameroon in Command, Kenya Facing an Uphill Battle
Cameroon’s victory solidified their position at the top of Group ‘J,’ with 10 points from four matches. Zimbabwe, who are second in the group with five points, trail the Indomitable Lions, while Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025 took a hit as they remain third with four points. Namibia, yet to register a point, sit at the bottom of the group.
Kenya will now need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next AFCON qualifier in November. While their chances of automatic qualification have become more difficult, there is still hope for the Harambee Stars if they can produce strong performances in their remaining games.
Positives Amid the Defeat
Despite the defeat, there were positives to take from Kenya’s performance. Compared to their disjointed showing in Douala, Harambee Stars played with greater intensity and cohesion. The return of Michael Olunga provided a much-needed focal point in attack, while Bryne Omondi’s performance in goal suggested that Kenya might have found a new reliable option between the posts.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen took to social media to encourage the team, emphasizing that the AFCON journey is far from over.
“Harambee Stars, we may have fallen 1-0 to Cameroon today, but our AFCON journey is far from over,” Murkomen wrote on X. “There are many positives we can take from this match for our next game. With 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, there’s still much to fight for. On to the next tie in November, unbowed.”
Looking Ahead
Kenya’s road to AFCON qualification remains challenging, but with two more matches to go, there is still an opportunity to make a final push. Head coach Engin Firat will look to build on the positives from this game while addressing the team’s shortcomings in converting chances. The November match will be crucial for Kenya’s hopes, and the Harambee Stars must maintain their fighting spirit as they continue their journey toward AFCON 2025.
