The Harambee Stars’ upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifier against Cameroon has sparked curiosity among fans and pundits alike as Kenya has chosen to host the match in Uganda’s Namboole Stadium behind closed doors. Scheduled for Monday, October 14, the decision to play without fans raises questions, especially considering the importance of the match. Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat explained the reasoning behind this move, shedding light on the strategic considerations influencing Kenya’s approach.
The Venue Issue: Why Uganda?
First, it is important to understand why the Harambee Stars are not playing on home soil. Kenya currently lacks a CAF-certified stadium suitable for hosting international matches, forcing the national team to play its home games abroad. In September, Kenya faced a similar situation when it hosted Zimbabwe in Uganda, a match that ended in a 0-0 draw. The team also played Namibia in South Africa earlier this year, securing a 2-1 win.
With no CAF-approved stadiums in Kenya, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) decided that Uganda’s Namboole Stadium was the most suitable venue for hosting Cameroon. This arrangement provides Kenya with a neutral ground while maintaining a manageable travel schedule for the players. However, the choice of Namboole Stadium comes with its own set of challenges.
Why an Empty Stadium?
The decision to host the match behind closed doors was driven by security concerns and the atmosphere of neutrality. Coach Engin Firat emphasized that allowing fans could compromise Kenya’s advantage in a supposedly neutral setting. “A lot happened when Zimbabwe played Cameroon in Uganda. There were security issues, and you saw the support Onana and Cameroon got in Uganda,” Firat explained.
During Zimbabwe’s match against Cameroon at Namboole Stadium last month, many fans in attendance, particularly Manchester United supporters, backed Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana, effectively turning a neutral match into a home advantage for Cameroon. To avoid a repeat scenario where fans show up to support Kenya’s opponents, Firat and the FKF opted for an empty stadium, limiting attendance to a few journalists and essential personnel.
Maintaining Focus and Security
Firat believes that minimizing distractions is key to maintaining the focus and performance level of the Harambee Stars. By playing without fans, the team can focus solely on the match without the added pressure or unexpected influences from the crowd. “It doesn’t make sense to have that again—it’s a simple decision,” Firat stated, emphasizing the importance of keeping the environment as controlled as possible.
Security concerns have also played a role in this decision. Ensuring the safety of players and staff is paramount, especially given the incidents in previous matches where fan support inadvertently favored the opposition. By restricting access, FKF aims to create a secure, distraction-free environment where the players can focus on executing their game plan.
The Team’s Progress: A Steady Rise Under Firat
Despite the challenges of not playing at home, Firat highlighted the positive trajectory the Harambee Stars have followed this year. The team remains unbeaten in 2024, a rare achievement for Kenyan football. “This year has been a process. We’ve gone seven matches without losing, which is rare for Kenya, and we’ve also won a trophy abroad,” Firat shared.
Firat’s influence has been evident in Kenya’s recent performances, with the team showing tactical discipline and resilience. The unbeaten run has included competitive matches across different venues, indicating the team’s adaptability and growth under his leadership. As Kenya prepares for the double-header against Cameroon, Firat sees these matches as crucial tests for his squad.
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The AFCON Double-Header: A Decisive Moment for Kenya
Kenya’s first leg against Cameroon will take place in Douala on October 11, with the return leg in Uganda just three days later. The tight schedule poses logistical and physical challenges, but Firat remains confident in his team’s preparation and mentality. “These two games will show us if we’re ready for AFCON, especially what we can do in the group stage,” he said.
Both Kenya and Cameroon sit atop Group J with four points each, making these back-to-back matches critical for their AFCON qualification hopes. The stakes are high, and for Kenya, securing positive results in these matches could be the difference between advancing to the tournament in Morocco and missing out.
The Impact of Playing Away: Mental and Physical Toll
One of the significant challenges Kenya faces is the mental toll of not being able to play in front of home fans. For over a year, the Harambee Stars have been unable to play a single match in Kenya due to stadium issues, affecting the team’s morale and sense of home advantage. Firat acknowledged this, stating, “It’s tough not playing at home for such a long time. We miss the support of our fans, but we must adapt and focus on the task ahead.”
Your #HarambeeStars travelling squad. pic.twitter.com/lJbWSRcGzN
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 10, 2024
Consistency has also been an issue, as injuries have prevented Kenya from fielding a stable lineup. Despite these setbacks, Firat remains optimistic about his team’s potential. “We know it will be tough, but we’re at a level where details will decide the outcome. It won’t be easy for Cameroon, even if they have no missing players,” he commented, highlighting the importance of tactical precision and mental strength.
The Road Ahead: Can Kenya Overcome the Odds?
As Kenya departs for Cameroon, the Harambee Stars face a defining moment in their AFCON qualification campaign. Playing the first leg in Douala presents a tough challenge, as Cameroon’s home advantage and star players like Vincent Aboubakar and Andre Onana will test Kenya’s defense and attack. The second leg in Uganda, though free of fans, will still demand the best from Harambee Stars as they adapt to their neutral ‘home’ ground.
The decision to host the match behind closed doors is a calculated move aimed at maintaining Kenya’s focus and neutrality, even as the team faces logistical and mental hurdles. Firat’s tactical approach will be crucial in ensuring that the team competes effectively in both matches, with every point vital for securing AFCON 2025 qualification.
Kenya’s AFCON Hopes Hang in the Balance
The Harambee Stars’ journey toward AFCON 2025 qualification is at a crucial juncture, with the matches against Cameroon serving as a litmus test for the team’s progress. The decision to play in Uganda’s Namboole Stadium behind closed doors reflects a strategic approach aimed at minimizing distractions and ensuring player safety.
As Kenya prepares to face Cameroon in these decisive encounters, the team’s ability to adapt, maintain focus, and perform at their best will determine their path forward. The Harambee Stars have shown resilience under Firat’s leadership, and these upcoming matches are an opportunity to prove their readiness for the continental stage. Fans will be eagerly watching as Kenya battles it out, with the hope of securing a place in Morocco next year.
