AFCON2025Q: Engin Firat emphasizes precision as Harambee Stars head to Cameroon for crucial clash
By Rama Mohammed |
Harambee Stars are set for a high-stakes clash against Cameroon in their AFCON 2025 qualifier, with head coach Engin Firat stressing the importance of fine details in determining the outcome. As they prepare to face the Indomitable Lions at the formidable Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Kenya’s hopes for an early qualification hang in the balance.
Harambee Stars wrapped up their final training session on Wednesday and are set to depart for Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Thursday via a chartered flight. They will face the Indomitable Lions in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 qualifier on Friday.
The return leg is scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2024, behind closed doors in Kampala, Uganda.
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Initially slated for Japoma Stadium in Douala, the opening Group J clash was shifted to the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé after a last-minute inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deemed the original venue unfit. The Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, often referred to as the heart of Cameroonian football, has not seen the Indomitable Lions lose a match there in nearly four decades.
"We know how tough this will be, but I believe we've reached a point where only the finer details will determine the outcome," said Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat after the team's final practice at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.
Kenya and Cameroon are level at the top of Group J with four points each after two matches. Harambee Stars opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, followed by a 2-1 victory over Namibia in their second match, played in South Africa. Cameroon secured a 1-0 win over Namibia before being held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, also in Kampala.
Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are all playing their home matches at neutral venues due to the lack of CAF-approved stadiums in their respective countries.
Securing maximum points from these two legs could significantly boost Kenya's chances of an early qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.
"It won’t be easy for Cameroon either," Firat added. "These two matches will decide whether we can make it back to AFCON or not."
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who returns from injury after missing the last two fixtures, urged fans to remain positive and back the team through these decisive matches.
"There was a lot of negativity after the Zimbabwe game, but once we won against Namibia, the belief came back. This is a two-legged tie, and we ask for patience and unwavering support from all Kenyans," said Olunga.
Victory over the two matches would bring Kenya one step closer to returning to the continental stage, but it’s clear the pressure is on as they prepare for one of their toughest challenges yet.
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