The quest for AFCON 2025 qualification will continue for Harambee stars as they face Cameroon in a two leg match. The stars will play in Cameroon at the Stade Japoma Stadium on 11^th October 2024 and two days later play the second leg on Monday 14^th October 2024  at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda. The stadium has been Kenya’s current “ home away from home.”  

Coach Engin Firat named a 28 man provisional squad with new names in the squad while others were dropped. The inclusions are Ian Otieno (GK), Daniel Anyembe, Jonhstone Omurwa, Collins sichenje, Geoffrey Ochieng, David Odoyo, John Ochieng, Timothy Ouma, Alfred Scriven, Michael Olunga, Boniface Muchiri, Adam Wilson, and Sydney Lokale.

As it stands, Kenya tops group J through goal difference with 4 points after a 2-1 win against Namibia and a barren draw with Zimbabwe. Cameroon has 4 points  after a barren draw with Zimbabwe and a 1-0 win against Namibia. This puts the two teams as the group favourites for AFCON qualification.

Cameroon versus Kenya Head to Head Record

Previously these two teams have met 8 times, in which Cameroon has won 4 times and Kenya managing only 4 draws from the encounter. The first meeting happened in 1972 ,in the eighth edition of AFCON hosted in Cameroon. Both teams were in group A,and featured in the tournament opener at the Stade Omnisports, Yaounde, a match watched by 40,000 fans. Cameroon scored two goals in the 7^th and 20^th minutes through N`Doga and N`Dongo. Kenya pulled one goal back in the 44^th minute through Gor Mahia's Jonathan Niva. In the end, Harambee Stars, under the tutelage of Coach Eckhard Krautzun, lost 2-1.

The latest meeting between the two nations happened 14 years ago in an international friendly match played on 9^th January 2010 at the Moi International Sport Center (MISC) Kasarani, Nairobi. The match started with high spirits with James Situma giving Kenya a lead through a freekick in the 8^th minute. However, the win was short lived as Kenya went on to concede 3 goals in the 36^th, 56^th and 58^th minutes, through Pierre Webó, Achille Emana, and  Mohamadou Idrissou respectively. Veteran Twahhir Muhidin was the Stars coach at the time.

Key Players to Watch

Michael Olunga (Kenya): The towering striker and captain playing for Qatar's AL Duhail will be Kenya's key man in attack. Olunga has a proven track record, having scored crucial goals in past qualifiers. Despite an injury setback in the beginning of the season and missing the first two match qualifiers, the 30 year old Al-Duhail SC forward will be  a man to watch. He has so far netted 5 times for his club.

Timothy Ouma (Kenya) ;The midfielder who plays for Elfsborg has had a tremendous outing there. He is likely to be a key player bossing the Kenya’s midfield.

Brian Mbeumo ( Cameroon). The Brentford forward has netted 6 goals in EPL new season. With his form, he will be a man likely to give Kenyan defenders a hard time.

André Onana (Cameroon): The world-class goalkeeper playing for Manchester united brings vast experience from European football. He is likely to be a key figure in keeping Kenya's attackers at bay.

Yaounde’s Atmosphere 

Playing in Cameroon’s capital city, Yaoundé, adds another layer of difficulty for Kenya. The Stade Japoma Stadium is known for its electric atmosphere, and the Cameroonian fans will undoubtedly provide loud support for their team.

Additionally, Cameroon has historically been dominant at home, the team has not lost at home in its last 10 fixtures. No doubt, the Harambee Stars are aware of the big task ahead.

Cameroon’s dominance in African football is well-known, but Kenya will be pushed by the opportunity to make history and win against Cameroon for the very first time. It will take a disciplined and courageous performance to upset the odds, but as football has proven time and again, anything is possible.

The Harambee Stars will look to rise to the occasion and give Kenyan football fans something to cheer about. A victory for the Harambee Stars would not only be their first win against Cameroon but would also significantly improve their chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Feature Image Credit: FKF