Harambee Stars are gearing up for a high-stakes clash against Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, following a crushing 4-1 defeat in the first leg. Monday’s return leg, set to take place at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, is crucial for Kenya as they fight to keep their AFCON dream alive. With everything on the line, the pressure is immense for the Kenyan side to deliver a strong performance and avoid further damage to their chances of qualification.
Currently third in Group J with four points, Kenya trails behind group leaders Cameroon, who sit comfortably with seven points. Zimbabwe holds second place with five points, while Namibia remains at the bottom without a single point. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, making this upcoming match a must-win for Kenya.
Firat’s Call for Improvement
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat did not sugarcoat his team’s poor performance in Friday’s loss to Cameroon. “It was one of the worst first halves we’ve played,” he admitted. “We were outclassed in every aspect of the game—physically, tactically, and mentally.” The harsh reality is that Cameroon dominated from start to finish, exposing Kenya’s weaknesses and exploiting them with brutal efficiency.
Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar, Martin Hongla, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Bassogog all found the back of the net, while Kenya’s only consolation goal came from captain Michael Olunga. Firat was quick to highlight the team’s defensive frailties, particularly their inability to cope with Cameroon’s relentless attacks. Kenya’s defense struggled to contain the high tempo of the game, leaving gaps that Cameroon’s forwards were more than happy to exploit.
“We allowed too much space, especially on the wings, and struggled against their aerial dominance,” Firat pointed out. The Kenyan backline’s disorganization was evident, with the flanks proving particularly vulnerable. Firat acknowledged that fixing these defensive issues will be critical if they are to stand a chance in the return leg. “In the second leg, we need to fix these errors. There’s no room for mistakes now,” he emphasized.
Mental and Tactical Adjustments
Beyond the tactical shortcomings, Firat stressed the need for a stronger mental approach from his players. “Cameroon played with hunger and aggression, and we need to match that. We can’t afford to be passive. The players need to fight for every inch on the pitch,” he urged. The Kenyan team appeared overwhelmed by Cameroon’s intensity in the first leg, and Firat knows that a change in mindset is crucial for Monday’s game.
Firat believes that Kenya’s best chance lies in shutting down key Cameroonian players like Aboubakar and Bassogog, who caused all sorts of problems for the Harambee Stars’ defense in the first leg. “We can’t give them the freedom they had in the first leg. We need to stay compact and close down spaces effectively,” he explained.
This approach will require discipline and concentration, as Cameroon’s attacking players have shown they can exploit any defensive lapse. Kenya will need to stay tight and organized at the back while remaining alert to counter-attacking opportunities.
Olunga’s Leadership
As in the first leg, much of Kenya’s attacking hopes will rest on the shoulders of captain Michael Olunga. The Al-Duhail forward has been Kenya’s most reliable scorer in recent years, but Firat acknowledged that Olunga needs better support from his teammates if he is to make an impact.
“Olunga can’t do it all by himself,” Firat said. “We need to create more chances and get the ball to him in dangerous areas.” In the first leg, Kenya’s midfield struggled to supply Olunga with meaningful service, leaving the striker isolated and unable to capitalize on his goal-scoring instincts. Firat will be looking for more creativity and urgency from his midfielders to provide Olunga with the opportunities he needs.
The Road Ahead
With two matches remaining in the qualifiers after Monday’s clash with Cameroon, Kenya’s hopes of making it to the AFCON finals in Morocco are still alive, but the margin for error is slim. A loss would be disastrous, while even a draw could leave Kenya’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Firat remains cautiously optimistic but knows that his players must rise to the occasion if they are to keep their AFCON dreams alive. “We still have a chance, but it all depends on how we respond in the next match. It’s time to show that we deserve to be at AFCON,” Firat concluded.
Monday’s game is more than just a qualifier—it’s a defining moment for Kenya’s Harambee Stars. The pressure is on, and the team must find a way to deliver under difficult circumstances. Their AFCON hopes depend on it.
