AFCON2025Q: Cameroon maintains perfect record against Kenya with emphatic win in Yaoundé
By Rama Mohammed |
Harambee Stars will have a hard task to overturn the 4-1 defeat when the two teams meet for the return leg in Kampala, Uganda next week
Cameroon continued their dominance over Kenya, securing a 4-1 victory in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé on Friday evening. The Indomitable Lions also extended their unbeaten run at the stadium—revered as their footballing stronghold—for more than 40 years.
Skipper Vincent Aboubakar opened the scoring early, converting a penalty in the 8th minute. Cameroon doubled their lead in the 39th minute through a fierce strike by Martin Hongla, which slipped past Kenya’s goalkeeper, Patrick Matasi.
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Kenya’s captain, Michael Olunga, offered a glimmer of hope, heading in a goal past André Onana in the 42nd minute. However, Cameroon's Mbeumo Bryan quickly restored the two-goal cushion, finishing off a swift counterattack just before halftime.
Christian Bassogog further extended Cameroon’s lead in the 55th minute, capitalizing on a poor midfield touch by Anthony Akumu. Matasi’s hesitancy to challenge Bassogog only worsened Kenya’s troubles.
Backed by a full-capacity crowd, Cameroon played with confidence from the start, controlling possession and outclassing the Harambee Stars with fluid, passing football. Frank Zambo Anguissa, a constant menace, forced a crucial save from Matasi in the 27th minute after a powerful shot that left the Kenyan goalkeeper momentarily shaken.
Despite their dominance, Kenya had some early opportunities, with Eric Ouma's cross being collected by Onana in the 24th minute. As the match wore on, Kenya pushed for a way back into the game, but Cameroon’s defense held firm.
Coach Engin Firat made several changes, bringing on Joseph Okumu for Amos Nondi, who had been booked in the first half. John Avire, scorer in Kenya's previous match against Namibia, and Screvin Richard also entered the fray, but Cameroon remained in control.
Avire had the best chance of the second half for Kenya, with a well-placed free kick in the 75th minute, but Onana tipped it over the bar, and the resulting corner was wasted.
With this loss, Kenya remains third in Group J with four points, trailing Zimbabwe, who defeated Namibia 1-0 on Thursday. Cameroon, leading the group, now looks poised to secure an early qualification for AFCON 2025.
The second leg of this encounter will be held in Kampala, Uganda, on Monday, where Cameroon will look to solidify their top spot in the group.
Cameroon Starting XI: André Onana; Wooh Christopher (Sub: Enzo Boyomo, 18), Ngadeu Michael, Nouhou Tolo, Tchatchoua Jackson, Baleba Carlos, Hongla Martin (Sub: Kunde Malong, 78), Bassogog Christian, Mbeumo Bryan, Aboubakar Vincent (Sub: Franck Magri, 77) - C
Kenya Starting XI: Patrick Matasi - GK; Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi (Sub: Joseph Okumu, 45), Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada (Sub: Chris Erambo, 86), Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya (Sub: Screvin Alfred, 78), Michael Olunga - C, Rooney Onyango
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