Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has outlined the key areas his team needs to improve if they are to stand a chance against Cameroon in their crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier. After suffering a 4-1 defeat in the first leg in Yaounde, Kenya finds themselves in a challenging position. However, Olunga remains optimistic that the team can turn the tide in the second leg if they address their mistakes and exploit Cameroon’s weaknesses.
Reflecting on the First Leg Defeat
Kenya’s first encounter with Cameroon was a tough pill to swallow. The Indomitable Lions, five-time African champions, dominated most of the match and capitalized on Kenya’s mistakes to secure a commanding win. Michael Olunga managed to score a consolation goal for Kenya, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
Speaking about the first-leg performance, Olunga admitted that Cameroon is a strong team, but he emphasized that Kenya’s downfall came from their own errors. “Cameroon is a strong side, you can see each department is very well-organized. However, the biggest issue for us was the number of mistakes we made. We gave them too many opportunities, and at this level, you cannot afford to do that,” Olunga explained.
Key Areas of Improvement
Olunga pointed out that if Harambee Stars can reduce their errors and play with more intensity, they have a chance of pulling off an upset in the return leg. One of the major areas Kenya needs to improve is their defensive organization. In the first leg, the backline struggled to deal with Cameroon’s fast-paced attack, particularly the influence of Christian Bassogog, who was involved in all four goals.
“We must improve defensively,” said Olunga. “Cameroon is a team that thrives on attacking spaces and taking advantage of gaps in the defense. In the first leg, we allowed them too much room to play, and that’s something we need to correct.”
The Kenyan captain also emphasized the importance of starting strong. In the first leg, Cameroon took an early lead, and Kenya found it difficult to regain their footing. “We need to come out with intensity from the start. In Yaounde, we were on the back foot early, and that set the tone for the rest of the match. If we can start stronger and contain their attack, we’ll have a better chance of staying in the game,” Olunga added.
Exploiting Cameroon’s Weaknesses
Despite Cameroon’s strong performance in the first leg, Olunga believes they are not invincible. The striker pointed out that every team has its weaknesses, and Harambee Stars need to be clever in exploiting them. One area where Kenya can take advantage is Cameroon’s occasional lapses in defense, especially when they push high up the pitch.
“Cameroon is very strong offensively, but like any attacking team, they can leave spaces behind when they push forward. We need to be ready to exploit those spaces and hit them on the counter. We saw glimpses of that in the first leg, but we didn’t capitalize enough,” said Olunga.
He also highlighted the importance of staying focused during set-pieces, an area where Kenya has shown potential. “We have good set-piece takers, and if we can win free kicks or corners, we need to make the most of them. These small opportunities can make a big difference in a match like this,” Olunga noted.
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The Mental Game
As much as physical performance on the pitch matters, Olunga stressed that the team’s mental preparation is equally important. After a heavy defeat, keeping spirits high and maintaining belief in the team’s abilities is crucial.
“We can’t go into the match with a negative mindset. Yes, we lost the first leg, but the table is still open. Cameroon is only three points ahead of us, and Zimbabwe is just one point behind. We still have everything to play for,” said the Al Duhail striker. “If we go in with the right mentality, believing that we can win, we can give ourselves a fighting chance.”
Olunga’s leadership off the pitch has been as significant as his contributions on it. Known for his ability to rally his teammates, he remains a positive influence in the dressing room. “I keep telling the boys that we have to stay focused and not dwell too much on the first game. We’ve learned from our mistakes, and now it’s time to correct them.”
The Road Ahead for Harambee Stars
Kenya’s journey to AFCON 2025 qualification is far from over. While the loss in Yaounde was a setback, the team still has opportunities to secure a place in the tournament. With two games remaining after the second leg against Cameroon, Olunga is confident that Harambee Stars can still make a push for Morocco 2025.
“We have three more games, including Monday’s match, and we are not out of the race yet. A win against Cameroon would put us right back in the mix. We just need to focus on the task at hand and take it one game at a time,” Olunga said.
Looking ahead to Monday’s clash at Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Kenya will need a complete team effort to overcome the odds. The squad is working on improving their tactical discipline and ensuring they do not repeat the mistakes from the first leg.
Olunga’s confidence and leadership will be key as Harambee Stars aim to turn their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign around. “We know what we need to do, and now it’s about executing it on the pitch. If we play with heart, discipline, and belief, I’m confident we can get a good result.”
Michael Olunga’s belief in Harambee Stars’ ability to learn from their mistakes and exploit Cameroon’s weaknesses offers a ray of hope for Kenya’s AFCON 2025 qualification campaign. With a positive mindset, a strong defensive performance, and the willingness to capitalize on opportunities, Kenya still has a fighting chance against Cameroon in the second leg. The task ahead is tough, but as Olunga said, “It’s football, and anything can happen.”
