Harambee Stars face a daunting challenge this afternoon as they take on five-time African champions Cameroon in a crucial 2025 AFCON Group J return-leg clash.
After a 4-1 defeat in the first leg in Yaoundé on Friday, Kenya will be eager to bounce back and keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive. The match kicks off at 4 PM inside an empty Namboole Stadium, Uganda.
Kenya’s Struggles in the First Leg
The Harambee Stars’ loss in Yaoundé was largely due to self-inflicted mistakes, including a penalty that opened the scoring for Cameroon and costly goalkeeping errors.
These errors paved the way for Cameroon to run rampant, with Patrick Matasi in goal having a particularly tough day. Despite the final scoreline, Kenya had moments where they showcased quality, leaving a sense that the match could have gone differently with fewer mistakes.
Now, coach Engin Firat is set to make some changes, with the most significant one being in the goalkeeping department. Matasi, who had a difficult outing in the first leg, is expected to be replaced by Bryne Omondi, as Kenya looks to shore up their defense against Cameroon’s potent attack.
Kenya’s Injury Woes
As if facing a team like Cameroon wasn’t challenging enough, Harambee Stars is dealing with several injury concerns ahead of the match.
Captain Michael Olunga, the team’s talismanic striker, missed the final training session on Sunday due to a hamstring issue. His potential absence could be a massive blow to Kenya’s attacking options.
“We have a serious issue with Olunga. He can only do light warm-ups due to his hamstring problem. I’ll have to make a last-minute decision tomorrow as there are many uncertainties,” said coach Firat.
Additionally, the Harambee Stars’ defensive setup is also under strain, with Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, and Alphonce Omija all dealing with injuries. Firat indicated that he might have to wait until the last minute to make decisions regarding their inclusion in the lineup, further complicating Harambee Stars’ preparations.
RECOMMENDED:
The Redemption Mission
This match presents a redemption opportunity for the Harambee Stars. With a home fixture, albeit in an empty stadium due to fears of Ugandan fans supporting Cameroon, Kenya has a chance to regroup and put up a stronger fight. A victory would not only boost morale but also keep Kenya’s AFCON qualification dream alive.
Harambee Stars’ defense will have to be watertight, especially with Cameroon boasting players like Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who will be cheered on by a passionate Cameroonian fanbase back home. Despite the challenges, coach Firat remains hopeful that his team can rise to the occasion.
“I didn’t want to play Okumu in the first leg because of his injury, but we will assess him and others like Omija and Omurwa before the match. We have to make sure we have the right balance,” Firat noted.
Cameroon’s Confidence and Caution
While Cameroon will head into the match with confidence after their dominant performance in the first leg, head coach Marc Brys is urging caution. He acknowledged Harambee Stars’ strengths and emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponents.
“There is always a risk after a strong performance,” Brys said. “Kenya is a good team and showed quality in the first match. They had some good moments, so it would be foolish to underestimate them.”
Cameroon, backed by 30 million passionate supporters, knows that securing another win would all but guarantee their place in the AFCON 2025 tournament. However, Brys is taking nothing for granted, stating, “We accept the pressure and aim to perform at our highest level.”
Key Players to Watch
For Harambee Stars, much depends on whether Michael Olunga can recover in time for the match. The striker has been the focal point of Kenya’s attack, and his absence could leave a significant void up front. Should Olunga miss out, Harambee Stars will look to other attacking options to step up in his place.
In defense, much will be expected from the likes of Joseph Okumu, if fit, to marshal the backline against a Cameroon side that has shown its attacking prowess. Bryne Omondi, expected to replace Matasi in goal, will also be under the spotlight as he looks to make a statement after the team’s defensive struggles in the first leg.
Cameroon, meanwhile, will rely on the experience of players like Andre Onana and Bertrand Traoré. Traoré, who scored a penalty in the first leg, will again be a key figure in their attack. Cameroon’s strength in depth could prove decisive, especially if Kenya is forced to field a weakened side due to injuries.
