AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Harambee Stars Fall Short Against Cameroon

Harambee Stars’ campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers took a heavy hit in Yaoundé. Facing Cameroon at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Kenya endured a 4-1 loss. What began with cautious optimism quickly devolved into a challenging night, raising questions about tactical decisions, possession, and officiating.

A Promising Start, Short-Lived

Entering the match with hopes soaring high, Harambee Stars looked to make an impact. But in football, dreams often clash with harsh realities, and Cameroon wasted no time asserting dominance. Kenya’s performance revealed struggles in keeping possession, with only 39.3% of the ball, leaving Cameroon comfortably in control for 60.7% of the match. The Stars’ inability to retain possession limited their ability to create meaningful chances, and when they did gain the ball, it was lost too easily.

The early momentum belonged to the Indomitable Lions, who approached the game with confidence, playing with fluidity as though the pitch was their playground. On the other hand, Kenya’s passing often felt rushed, as if they were borrowing time with the ball—handing it back to Cameroon at every opportunity.

Controversial Penalty Sets the Tone

One of the defining moments came early in the match when Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma was judged to have committed a handball in the box following a shot from Bryan Mbeumo. While the ball merely brushed Ouma’s arm, the referee, Issa Sy, awarded a penalty. The call sparked frustration among Kenyan players, but their protests were in vain. Cameroon calmly slotted the penalty home, giving them an early lead and setting the stage for a dominant performance.

From that point on, Kenya struggled to recover, and the momentum swung fully in Cameroon’s favor. The penalty call not only dented the Stars’ morale but also highlighted the challenges they faced in dealing with the host nation’s clinical attack.

Cameroon’s Dominance and Kenya’s Missed Opportunities

Cameroon’s attacking statistics reflected their control. The home side managed nine shots, with five hitting the target, consistently testing Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi. Kenya, in contrast, managed six attempts, but only two posed any real threat to the opposition’s keeper. At times, it seemed as though Kenya’s shooting efforts were misdirected, as shots sailed harmlessly wide, frustrating the team and fans alike.

Corners further illustrated the gap between the two sides. Cameroon earned three corner kicks, using them to sustain their attacking pressure. Kenya, however, could only muster one, as their inability to build sustained attacks left them with few set-piece opportunities.

In terms of offsides, the Harambee Stars demonstrated some discipline, getting caught offside only once, compared to Cameroon’s two. However, the rare occasions on which they ventured forward with promising attacks were fleeting, underscoring the team’s struggles to break down the Cameroonian defense.

Physical Play and Discipline

The match also saw both teams engage in a physical contest. Kenya committed 12 fouls, matching Cameroon’s aggressive style, though the hosts committed 11 fouls of their own. Kenya’s physicality showcased their willingness to compete, but it also reflected the difficulty they faced in containing Cameroon’s fast-paced play.

Discipline was another factor, with Kenya receiving a solitary yellow card while Cameroon managed to avoid bookings. This suggested a degree of composure from the home side, maintaining focus while controlling the match. Kenya’s yellow card was a reflection of the mounting frustration, as the team found themselves increasingly outplayed.

Substitutions and Tactical Shifts

Coach Engin Firat made several changes throughout the match in an attempt to inject energy and alter the game’s course. In the second half, Joseph Okumu came on for Anthony Nondi, while John Avire replaced Timothy Ouma to add fresh legs to the attack. Later, Amos Scriven replaced Derrick Abuya, and Charles Erambo entered for Richard Odada. Despite these adjustments, the team struggled to find cohesion, and Cameroon’s grip on the game remained firm.

The tactical shifts did little to alter the flow of the match, as Kenya’s efforts were stifled by a well-organized Cameroonian defense. Michael Olunga, leading the attack, found it difficult to get the service needed to make an impact. With limited possession and fewer chances, the captain’s influence was muted.

Pride Amid Defeat

Despite the heavy scoreline, the Harambee Stars showed moments of resilience. They remained composed even after conceding early, continuing to fight for pride and trying to make the most of their limited opportunities. While the numbers reveal a one-sided contest, Kenya’s ability to stay organized in patches offered a glimmer of hope for future fixtures.

The possession statistic, however, remains a cause for concern. The 39.3% ball possession raises questions about Kenya’s tactical approach. Whether it was an issue of strategy, execution, or simply the strength of their opponents, the Stars will need to find a way to retain more control if they are to improve in their upcoming matches.

Looking Ahead

While the loss to Cameroon was undoubtedly a setback, it also serves as a learning opportunity for the Harambee Stars. The road to AFCON qualification is long, and every game offers valuable experience. Coach Firat will need to address the tactical shortcomings and instill more confidence in the players, particularly in maintaining possession under pressure.

There is also a need to fine-tune Kenya’s attacking play. The team’s occasional inability to hit the target, coupled with missed opportunities from set pieces, suggests areas for improvement. With greater precision and focus, the Stars could capitalize on such moments in future matches.

Conclusion

Kenya’s 4-1 loss to Cameroon in the AFCON 2025 qualifier was a harsh lesson in the realities of international football. The combination of a controversial penalty decision, Cameroon’s dominance in possession, and Kenya’s misfiring attack made for a challenging evening. However, the Harambee Stars showed resilience and flashes of promise despite the difficult circumstances.

As they prepare for their next fixture, Kenya will aim to address their weaknesses, build on their strengths, and approach the game with renewed determination. In football, every defeat is an opportunity to grow, and the Stars will be eager to shine brighter in the matches ahead.