Cameroon completes double over Kenya, qualifies for AFCON 2025

Cameroon edged past Kenya 1-0 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday at Uganda's Mandela Stadium in Namboole, completing a double over the Harambee Stars. Substitute Boris Enow Takang netted the decisive goal, securing the victory.

The result brings Cameroon's points tally to ten, securing their spot in next year’s AFCON tournament in Morocco. Zimbabwe sits in second place in Group J with five points and is set to face Namibia later today. Namibia remains at the bottom of the group with zero points.

Kenya entered the match seeking to redeem themselves after a 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in Yaoundé the previous Friday. Playing at their temporary home in Uganda, the team aimed to avoid another heavy loss. Cameroon adopted a more defensive strategy this time, unlike their aggressive play last Friday, while Kenya made the first move with a shot on target in the 6th minute. Captain Michael Olunga tested Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana with a long-range effort after receiving a pass from Duke Abuya. Nine minutes later, Byrne Omondi denied Vincent Aboubakar with a crucial save, blocking a low shot that looked set to find the back of the net.

In the 22nd minute, Olunga stole the ball from a Cameroonian defender and surged forward but chose to pass to Abuya, who then set up Eric Ouma. However, Ouma's attempt was blocked by the Cameroonian defense. Olunga's header from an Ouma corner at the half-hour mark was comfortably caught by Onana, while Omondi kept Kenya in the game with a diving save moments later. Cameroon missed their best chance of the half in the 35th minute when a misunderstanding between Aboubakar and Malong Pierre led to Pierre shooting wide from inside the box.

Three minutes before halftime, Michael Ngadeu appeared to have put Cameroon ahead, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The first half ended without any goals.

Kenya's coach, Engin Firat, made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Alphonce Omija for Daniel Anyembe at right-back. Seven minutes in, Omondi pulled off a spectacular one-handed save to deny Aboubakar, while Ronney Onyango's shot hit the post during a counter-attack. Olunga's follow-up shot went wide, marking Kenya's best opportunity in the match.

However, a series of fouls led to a free kick for Cameroon in the 63rd minute, which substitute Boris Enow Takang converted, curling the ball past Omondi. Shortly after, Johnstone Omurwa cleared the ball for a corner as Cameroon pressed for a second goal.

In response, Firat brought on Timothy Ouma and Amos Nondi to replace John Avire and Duke Abuya. Cameroon then controlled possession, frustrating the Kenyan side with their passing game, which led to more fouls from the Harambee Stars. Kenya had a final chance in the dying minutes, but Ouma's cross missed the target.

Kenya will conclude their group stage campaign in November, facing Zimbabwe away before hosting Namibia in Uganda.

Harambee Stars lineup: Starting XI: Byrne Omondi, Daniel Anyembe, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Eric Ouma, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Duke Abuya, Ronney Onyango, John Avire, Michael Olunga

Subs: Patrick Matasi, Ian Otieno, Alphonce Omija, Amos Nondi, Collins Sichenje, Geoffrey Ochieng, Sylvester Owino, John Ochieng, Chrispine Erambo, Timothy Ouma, Jonah Ayunga, Adam Wilson, Alfred Scriven

Cameroon lineup: Starting XI: André Onana, Jackson Tchatchoua, Michael Ngadeu, Kunde Malong Pierre, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nouhou Tolo, Bryan Mbeumo, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Martin Hongla, Christian Bassogog, Vincent Aboubakar

Subs: Simon Omossola, Carlos Baleba, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Collins Fai, Martin Beautrel, Atemengue Ndzie, Patrik Soko, Frank Magri, Guy-Mercilin Kilama, Flavien Boyomo, Enow Boris, James Willy Ndjeungoue