As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers continue to unfold, Kenya’s national soccer team, the Harambee Stars, faces a formidable challenge against the five-time African champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. This eagerly anticipated match, set for October 11 at the Amadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, represents a top-of-the-table showdown in Group J.
Currently, Harambee Stars sit atop the group with four points, following a hard-fought victory against Namibia and a resilient draw against Zimbabwe. Coach Engin Firat’s squad is keen to maintain their lead as they prepare for two matches against Cameroon within just three days.
“These two matches against Cameroon will be a signal of what we can achieve. If we make it to AFCON and the knockout stages, it will show what we are capable of,” Firat asserted, emphasizing his team’s ambition.
Cameroon, however, is poised to challenge this supremacy. Also with four points, the Indomitable Lions trail Kenya only on goal difference. Under the new tutelage of Belgian Marc Brys, Cameroon named a star studded squad boasting of Napoli’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Brentford’s inform striker Bryan Mbeumo, Brighton & Hove Albion Midfielder Carlos Baleba and Manchester United’s Andrea Onana.
Brys reflected on the pressure of expectations, stating,
“It’s up to us now. We have no excuses. In the end, I think I’m responsible. We’re going to start working and get results for the 30 million Cameroonians. We’re ready, even though we’re under a little pressure.”
Historically, the rivalry has favored Cameroon, who remain undefeated against Kenya in their previous eight encounters, with four wins and four draws. Their last meeting in January 2010 saw Cameroon triumph 3-1 in Nairobi. Yet, Firat remains undaunted by the statistical weight of history.
“I don’t believe it will be easy for Cameroon, even with their full-strength squad,”
he remarked, highlighting the belief he has in his team’s potential to disrupt the established order.
Kenya’s squad will benefit from the return of captain Michael Olunga, who missed the last two qualifiers due to injury. However, they will be without the Kenya Premier League MVP, Austin Odhiambo, who suffered a knee injury during training. This blend of returning talent and unfortunate setbacks underscores the unpredictable nature of this encounter.
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups;
Cameroon possible starting lineup:
A.Onana; Nouhou, Wooh, Ngadeu, Tchatchoua; Baleba, Anguissa, Hongla; C. Bassogog, Aboubakar(C), Mbeumo
Kenya possible starting lineup:
B.Omondi; Alphonce Omija, Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino; Duke Abuya, Richard Odada, Teddy Akumu; Roney Onyango , John Avire, Michael Olunga (C)
