In a match highlighting the disparity between the two teams, Harambee Stars faced a heavy defeat to Cameroon. They lost 4-1 in the first leg of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The game took place at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé. Cameroon delivered a masterclass performance, leaving Kenya’s national team reeling.
A Shaky Start
From the first whistle, it was clear that Harambee Stars were out of their depth. The Indomitable Lions boasted a star-studded lineup, featuring Andre Onana, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and others. They set the tone early in the match. In the 6th minute, Aboubakar converted a penalty. Eric Otieno was penalized for handling the ball in the box. The experienced striker sent goalkeeper Patrick Matasi the wrong way, igniting a wave of excitement among the home crowd.
Kenya struggled to find their footing as the game progressed. The absence of Joseph Okumu in defense was keenly felt, exposing the team’s vulnerabilities at the back. The Stars failed to create meaningful chances, unable to match Cameroon’s pace and fluidity on the ball.
Fractured Play
The match’s intensity momentarily slowed in the 12th minute when a collision between Cameroon’s Christopher Wooh and Kenya’s Amos Nondi forced a stoppage for about five minutes. Wooh was eventually replaced by Jean-Charles Victor Castelletto, but the disruption didn’t seem to affect the Indomitable Lions’ rhythm.
Between the 19th and 30th minutes, Harambee Stars saw more possession but struggled to test Onana. A booking for Nondi in the 29th minute for a cynical foul on Christian Bassogog highlighted Kenya’s frustration, as Anguissa’s subsequent free kick went wide of the mark.
As the match approached the half-time mark, Cameroon’s dominance became undeniable. Martin Hongla doubled Cameroon’s lead in the 39th minute after a well-worked team move. He had squandered a clear chance just minutes earlier. Kenya pulled one back just before the break.
Captain Michael Olunga scored a powerful header in the 41st minute. Otieno provided the inch-perfect cross. However, the joy was short-lived for Kenya. Mbeumo restored Cameroon’s two-goal cushion with a quick strike in the 43rd minute. Harambee Stars’ hopes of a comeback were hanging by a thread as the half-time whistle blew.
Second Half Struggles
With the scoreline at 3-1, coach Engin Firat made a tactical change at the start of the second half, bringing in Okumu for Nondi. Yet, the restructuring did little to stabilize Kenya’s defense. Just ten minutes into the second half, Bassogog capped off a perfect evening for Cameroon with a simple tap-in at the near post in the 55th minute, leaving the Stars in disarray.
In an attempt to salvage the situation, Firat introduced Alfred Scriven, John Avire, and Chris Erambo. They replaced Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, and Richard Odada. However, the Indomitable Lions remained composed throughout the match. They expertly managed their three-goal advantage. Kenya was denied any clear-cut chances to get back into the game.
Looking Ahead
With the defeat fresh in their minds, Harambee Stars will shift their focus to the return leg. The match is set for Monday at Namboole Stadium in Uganda. The team needs to regroup quickly. They must find a way to bounce back from this disappointing performance. If they hope to keep their Africa Cup of Nations dreams alive, they need a strong showing.
The clash against Cameroon serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for the Harambee Stars. The players and coaching staff must reassess their strategies and work on their cohesion. They need to prepare for a crucial encounter ahead. The road to the Africa Cup of Nations is long. It is fraught with challenges, but there is still hope. With determination and the right adjustments, a brighter outcome is possible in the return leg.