Kenya’s dream of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was dealt a significant blow following back-to-back defeats against Cameroon. The 4-1 loss in Yaoundé and the narrow 1-0 defeat in Uganda have left the Harambee Stars with an uphill battle as they sit third in Group J with just four points. Cameroon, meanwhile, has secured their spot in the continental tournament, leading the group with 10 points, while Zimbabwe follows closely with eight points.
Despite these setbacks, Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, remains optimistic about the Harambee Stars’ chances of securing a coveted AFCON qualification spot. Murkomen has pointed out the positives from Kenya’s performances and encouraged the team to focus on the upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia. According to the CS, all is not lost, and Kenya still has a fighting chance, provided they capitalize on their remaining matches and Zimbabwe drops points.
The Cameroon Setbacks: A Double Blow
Kenya’s campaign to qualify for the 2025 AFCON was significantly hindered by their recent encounters with Cameroon. The first of the two matches, played on 11 October in Yaoundé, ended in a disappointing 4-1 defeat. Cameroon’s physical dominance, coupled with individual errors from the Kenyan side, allowed the Indomitable Lions to run rampant, leaving Harambee Stars with little to show for their efforts.
Just days later, on 14 October, Kenya had the chance to redeem themselves in a return leg, this time held at the Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda. Despite a more organized and disciplined display, Kenya fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat, courtesy of a goal that came after more than an hour of solid defensive work. While the scoreline was an improvement from the first leg, the loss further damaged Kenya’s qualification hopes.
Cameroon’s victory in both matches secured their top spot in Group J, with 10 points and a guaranteed place in the 2025 AFCON tournament. Zimbabwe, who sits second with eight points, still has a solid chance of qualifying. Kenya, now trailing with four points, finds themselves in a precarious position, requiring a perfect set of results and some luck in the final two matches of the qualification round.
Murkomen’s Optimism: Focusing on the Positives
In the wake of the defeats, CS Kipchumba Murkomen took to social media to express his continued optimism. Murkomen acknowledged the team’s disappointing results but highlighted that there were positives to take from the performances, particularly in the second match against Cameroon. He emphasized the need for Kenya to regroup and approach the remaining fixtures with determination.
To @Harambee_Stars, we may have fallen 1-0 to Cameroon today, but our AFCON journey is far from over. 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,… pic.twitter.com/h1CpNPM7df
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) October 14, 2024
“To Harambee Stars, we may have fallen 1-0 to Cameroon today, but our AFCON journey is far from over. There are many positives we can take from this match for our next game. With one win, one draw, and two losses, there’s still much to fight for. On to the next tie in November, unbowed. Great effort here, guys,” Murkomen wrote on his social media.
Murkomen’s message resonates with many football fans in Kenya, who remain hopeful despite the challenges. The Harambee Stars have shown flashes of potential throughout the qualification campaign, and there is still time to turn things around.
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Remaining Matches: Kenya’s Final Opportunity
Kenya’s fate is not entirely in their hands as they head into their final two qualification matches. First, Harambee Stars will travel to Zimbabwe on 11 November for a must-win encounter. Zimbabwe, currently second in the group, will be a tough opponent, but a win for Kenya would keep their slim qualification hopes alive. To make it to AFCON, Kenya must also rely on Cameroon defeating Zimbabwe in their remaining fixture.
The final match of Kenya’s qualification journey will take place on 15 November at home against Namibia. Namibia, who are yet to secure a point in the group, will be desperate to end their campaign on a high note, but Kenya will need to capitalize on home advantage and secure all three points.
While the odds are stacked against Kenya, the unpredictability of football means that surprises are always possible. Should Zimbabwe falter in their upcoming matches, Kenya could find themselves back in contention.
Tactical Improvements: What Needs to Change
While the results against Cameroon were disappointing, there were notable improvements in Kenya’s tactical approach. In the second match, the Harambee Stars managed to contain Cameroon for over an hour, displaying a much more organized defensive structure. However, Kenya’s primary issue remains their inability to convert defensive resilience into offensive pressure.
Coach Engin Firat has been tasked with finding solutions to Kenya’s attacking woes. Against Cameroon, the team lacked the cutting edge needed to break down the opposition’s defense. Key players, such as captain Michael Olunga, struggled to make a significant impact, and Kenya’s midfield was often overrun by Cameroon’s physicality.
For the remaining matches, Firat must focus on improving Kenya’s build-up play and creating more goal-scoring opportunities. The inclusion of more dynamic midfielders and wingers could help stretch the play and open up space for Olunga and other forwards to exploit. Firat’s tactical adjustments will be crucial if Kenya is to secure the wins they desperately need.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty
While Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON have taken a major hit, Kipchumba Murkomen’s optimism offers a glimmer of hope for the team and its fans. The upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia will be critical, and Kenya must approach them with a fighting spirit and tactical discipline.
The path to AFCON qualification is narrow, but as Murkomen emphasized, the journey is not over yet. If Kenya can learn from their mistakes and capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead, they may still have a shot at securing a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, all eyes are on the next fixtures in November, where the Harambee Stars will need to give it their all to keep their AFCON dreams alive.
