After a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at the hands of Cameroon in the first leg of their AFCON 2025 Group J qualifier, the Harambee Stars of Kenya are gearing up for the return fixture. Despite the margin of the first-leg loss, Cameroon’s head coach, Marc Brys, believes that the Kenyans hold a key advantage heading into the rematch scheduled for Monday.
The tactical dynamics surrounding the venue are weighing heavily on Brys’ mind. Due to Kenya’s inability to host international matches domestically—owing to the lack of a FIFA and CAF-approved stadium—the Harambee Stars have been forced to play their “home” games at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. This logistical complication, Brys suggests, could provide Kenya with an unexpected edge.
According to Brys, a major factor that could affect the outcome of the rematch is the atmosphere—or lack thereof—at the Namboole Stadium. The Cameroonian team benefited from the passionate support of their fans in the first leg, but the upcoming game will unfold in an empty stadium, which could neutralize their advantage.
“It’s a dead stadium, so you have to bring out the energy yourself,” Brys explained during a press briefing on Sunday. “When you’re playing at home, the supporters’ presence gives you extra drive, power, and confidence. Their voices push you forward. But in a big, empty stadium, it’s different. You’re left with only your teammates on the field and the coach shouting instructions from the sideline. Beyond that, it’s all up to the players.”
Brys’ concerns about the venue are not unfounded. The Harambee Stars have had to adapt to such conditions over the past year, as they navigated the challenges of playing without fan support. Following the lifting of a football ban in 2023, Kenya has faced difficulties hosting matches at home, giving their players unique experience with playing under emotionally sterile conditions. Brys fears that this familiarity with the lack of crowd noise might actually work in Kenya’s favor, allowing them to perform with minimal pressure in a challenging situation.
Warning Against Complacency
Despite their commanding first-leg victory, Brys cautioned his players against underestimating Kenya in the second encounter. He noted that the Kenyans’ performance in the first leg was marred by uncharacteristic mistakes, which allowed Cameroon to exploit them easily. However, he emphasized that dismissing the threat posed by a motivated Kenyan side could be dangerous.
“There’s always a risk after a good result—players might become overconfident or complacent,” Brys said. “That’s when you need to stay sharp and focused. We’ve seen Kenya’s potential in recent games, like their performances against Zimbabwe and Namibia in September. Those games showed they have moments of brilliance. It would be a big mistake for us to underestimate them just because of one bad night.”
Kenya, who are aiming to qualify for their first AFCON tournament since 2019, will be determined to overturn the deficit in the second leg. A win would not only restore their confidence but also keep them in contention for a place in the tournament.
Brys acknowledged that the psychological dynamics of the second leg are complex. After a lopsided win, he pointed out, there is always a tendency for teams to view the reverse fixture as a formality. However, the Belgian tactician stressed that Cameroon would remain humble and committed, treating the rematch with the seriousness it deserves.
“We don’t believe in the idea that just because we beat a team once, the next game will be easy,” he said. “We approach every match with respect, giving our best effort each time. Football is unpredictable, and every game has its own challenges. We’ve learned to stay grounded, no matter the result.”
Strategic Adjustments and Tactical Focus
While Brys remains wary of Kenya’s potential, he also exudes confidence in his team’s preparations. He indicated that the Indomitable Lions will approach the rematch with a clear plan, aimed at consolidating their position at the top of the group. Cameroon’s victory in the first leg showcased their ability to capitalize on Kenya’s defensive lapses, and Brys hopes his players can replicate that clinical edge.
Brys is also mindful of the importance of maintaining mental sharpness. After a big win, the emotional shift between games can be challenging for players. He emphasized the need for his team to stay mentally resilient, focus on execution, and avoid complacency at all costs.
“We have to stay attentive and not allow the previous result to influence our mindset,” Brys warned. “Every game is an opportunity to improve, and we want to build on what we achieved in the first leg. It’s not just about winning—it’s about delivering a performance that makes our people proud.”
The coach also highlighted the responsibility that comes with representing Cameroon. “We carry the hopes of 30 million people,” he said. “There’s always pressure when you’re playing for the national team, but we embrace it. We understand the expectations, and we’ll do our best to meet them.”
Kenya’s Potential to Turn the Tide
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat hinted that he might make tactical changes following the mistakes made by goalkeeper Patrick Matasi in the first leg. Firat suggested that a reshuffle might be necessary to tighten the team’s defense and avoid repeating the errors that proved costly against Cameroon.
“I have to react,” Firat said. “We made some mistakes, and we need to address them. It’s important to learn from these situations and make adjustments accordingly.”
Kenya’s players will need to regroup quickly if they hope to reverse the result. With AFCON 2025 qualification at stake, the stakes are high. Despite the setback, Kenya’s players remain optimistic that they can rise to the occasion and deliver a positive result in Kampala.
A win for Kenya would not only boost their chances of qualification but also restore morale after the heavy loss in the first leg. The return leg offers them an opportunity to make amends and prove their quality on the continental stage.
Both teams understand that the outcome of the second leg could have significant implications for their respective campaigns. Cameroon aims to maintain their dominance and secure early qualification, while Kenya is fighting to keep their hopes alive.
The Road Ahead
As the countdown to the rematch continues, the spotlight will be on how both teams adjust their strategies. For Cameroon, the focus will be on staying disciplined and executing their game plan with precision. For Kenya, the challenge will be to bounce back from adversity and play with the determination needed to upset the odds.
The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fully aware of what is at stake. For Cameroon, it is an opportunity to solidify their status as group leaders. For Kenya, it is a chance for redemption and a shot at keeping their AFCON dream alive.
In the end, the outcome of the game will depend on which team can adapt better to the unique challenges posed by the venue and the pressure of the occasion. With everything to play for, both sides will be eager to leave their mark on the qualifying campaign and edge closer to securing a place in AFCON 2025.
