AFCON 2025: Kenya set for high-stakes qualifier showdown with Cameroon

Kenya’s Harambee Stars will face Cameroon this evening in a pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon. The match is the first of a two-legged encounter in Group J, with both teams level on four points after two rounds of games. The outcome could significantly impact the qualification race for next year’s tournament in Morocco.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat, speaking ahead of the match, acknowledged the tough challenge posed by the five-time African champions. Cameroon has not lost a match at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in nearly 40 years, a factor that adds weight to the contest.

“We know how hard it will be, but I think we are at a level where only the details will decide,” said Firat after the team’s final training session in Nairobi.

Kenya enters the match after a promising start in the qualifiers. They opened with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe before securing a 2-1 win against Namibia in South Africa. The return of key striker Michael Olunga, who missed the previous two matches due to injury, is expected to strengthen Kenya’s forward line. Olunga has called on Kenyan fans to rally behind the team, saying, “There was a lot of negativity after the Zimbabwe match, but when we posted something positive against Namibia, everybody started believing. We call for patience and support from all Kenyans.”

Cameroon, on the other hand, come into the game after a 1-0 victory over Namibia and a goalless draw against Zimbabwe. The Indomitable Lions remain unbeaten in Group J, and with the home advantage in Yaounde, they are considered favourites for tonight’s match.

The second leg of the qualifier will take place on Monday, October 14, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. Kenya will host the match behind closed doors due to security concerns and the absence of an approved stadium in the country. Firat explained that the decision to exclude fans was partly due to the potential disruption caused by Ugandan fans supporting Cameroon, particularly targeting goalkeeper André Onana. “There were a lot of security concerns around Onana when Cameroon played Zimbabwe in Kampala,” Firat said. “You saw Ugandan supporters get behind them (Cameroon). It doesn't make sense to help Cameroon.”

Kenya’s squad has been bolstered by the return of defenders Collins Sichenje and Johnstone Omurwa, who are expected to strengthen the defense. As the Harambee Stars prepare for the first leg, football legend Peter Dawo has encouraged the team to remain focused. “Don’t approach the game with the mentality that Cameroon is a superior side and that we’ve never beaten them,” said Dawo, who played in Kenya’s 3-3 draw against Cameroon in the 1987 All African Games. He added that Kenya’s recent victory over Namibia was a positive sign, saying, “It's a good record which they can build on.”

A win for either side in tonight’s match could put them in a strong position to qualify for the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.