Harambee Stars endured a tough evening as they were convincingly beaten 4-1 by Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier on Friday night. The encounter, held at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé, showcased the Indomitable Lions’ dominance, leaving Kenya with an uphill task in the return leg set for Monday in Uganda.
From the outset, Cameroon displayed their quality, deploying a line-up packed with experienced stars, including goalkeeper Andre Onana, midfield enforcer Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, forward Vincent Aboubakar, and winger Bryan Mbeumo. Kenya, on the other hand, struggled to find any rhythm, clearly missing the presence of Joseph Okumu in defense. His absence exposed vulnerabilities at the back, which Cameroon ruthlessly exploited.
The game started disastrously for the visitors, with Cameroon taking the lead just six minutes into the match. A penalty was awarded after Eric Otieno was penalized for handling the ball in the box. Veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar stepped up to the spot and coolly sent Patrick Matasi the wrong way, sending the home fans into jubilant celebrations.
Kenya found it difficult to establish a foothold in the game, as Cameroon dictated the tempo with swift passing and clinical movement. The Stars were pinned back, struggling to deal with the intensity and pace of Cameroon’s attacks. The absence of Okumu left gaps that Cameroon exploited repeatedly, forcing the Kenyan defense to work overtime.
There was a brief halt in play during the 12th minute when Christopher Wooh of Cameroon collided heavily with Kenya’s Amos Nondi. After receiving treatment, Wooh was substituted in the 18th minute, making way for Jean-Charles Victor Castelletto. Despite the disruption, Cameroon quickly regained their composure and continued pressing for a second goal.
Between the 19th and 30th minutes, Kenya managed to retain possession and enjoyed a period of relative control. However, this spell of dominance did not translate into meaningful chances, as the team struggled to penetrate Cameroon’s resolute backline. Amos Nondi, while putting in a combative shift, received a yellow card in the 29th minute for a cynical foul on Christian Bassogog. Anguissa’s resulting free kick missed the target, but the warning signs for Kenya were clear.
In the 39th minute, Cameroon doubled their lead. A beautifully crafted team move saw the ball fall to Martin Hongla, who made no mistake this time, tapping in from close range after missing a similar opportunity minutes earlier. This goal left Kenya reeling, with Cameroon firmly in control.
Kenya, however, found a glimmer of hope just two minutes later. Michael Olunga, captain and talisman of the side, rose highest to meet Otieno’s pinpoint cross with a thunderous header. The ball flew past Andre Onana, giving the Kenyan fans something to cheer about as the scoreline read 2-1. For a moment, it seemed as though the Harambee Stars might rally and claw their way back into the game.
That hope was short-lived. Barely two minutes after Olunga’s goal, Cameroon responded in devastating fashion. Bryan Mbeumo restored the two-goal cushion with a clinical finish in the 43rd minute, dashing any Kenyan dreams of a comeback as the halftime whistle blew.
Kenya’s coach, Engin Firat, made changes at the break in an attempt to stabilize the team. Okumu was introduced in place of Nondi to strengthen the defense, but the damage had already been done. Cameroon continued to dominate proceedings in the second half, showing no signs of complacency.
The relentless pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Christian Bassogog added a fourth goal. A defensive lapse allowed him to sneak in at the near post and tap the ball into the net, leaving Matasi and his defenders stranded. With a commanding 4-1 lead, Cameroon eased into cruise control for the remainder of the match.
Firat made further substitutions, bringing on Alfred Scriven, John Avire, and Chris Erambo to replace Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, and Richard Odada, respectively. Despite the fresh legs, the changes had little impact on the flow of the game. Cameroon managed the final minutes with composure, ensuring there would be no late drama.
Kenya’s defeat highlighted the team’s defensive frailties and inability to match the quality of their opponents. The absence of Okumu was keenly felt, as his experience and organization were missed in critical moments. Although Otieno and Olunga combined well for Kenya’s lone goal, the lack of consistent creativity in midfield left the team unable to mount a serious challenge.
For Cameroon, the victory was a statement of intent, showing that off-field issues would not distract them from their football ambitions. Marc Brys’s team executed their game plan to perfection, blending technical brilliance with tactical discipline. Onana was solid in goal when called upon, while Aboubakar and Mbeumo provided the attacking spark that proved too much for Kenya to handle.
As the Harambee Stars turn their attention to the second leg, set to be played at Namboole Stadium in Uganda, there are many lessons to be learned from this humbling experience. The coaching staff will need to address the defensive weaknesses and find ways to create more scoring opportunities if they are to salvage their AFCON hopes. With a three-goal deficit to overturn, the task ahead is monumental, but the team will need to regroup quickly and approach the return fixture with renewed determination.
Cameroon, with their advantage firmly secured, will likely approach the second leg with confidence but cannot afford to be complacent. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, Cameroon’s players will be mindful that football is unpredictable, and anything can happen in the return leg.
Kenya’s focus must now shift to regaining their pride and putting on a competitive display in Uganda. Although the odds are stacked against them, a spirited performance could restore morale and provide a foundation for future competitions. With Olunga leading the line, there is always the possibility of goals, but the entire team will need to step up if they are to avoid a repeat of the first-leg disappointment.
The second leg will not only be a test of Kenya’s footballing ability but also of their character. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Harambee Stars have no room for error. As they prepare for the showdown in Namboole, the players and coaching staff will need to dig deep, find inspiration, and play with the belief that the tie is still within reach.
The result in Yaoundé was a harsh reminder of the level required to compete at the highest stage in African football. For Cameroon, it was a night to remember; for Kenya, a night to forget. However, with the return leg looming, the Harambee Stars have one more chance to make amends and fight for their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
