Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy ‘Babu’ Ouma is optimistic that his team can defeat Cameroon in Friday’s 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, set to take place in Yaoundé. Ouma, who plays for Elfsborg in Sweden’s top league, is confident that the extensive preparations the team has undergone will enable them to emerge victorious. The match is part of their effort to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament, which will be held in Morocco.
Speaking ahead of the crucial match, Ouma emphasized that the team’s focus and readiness would be key to overcoming their opponents. “As a team, we are well prepared and looking forward to the game. I’m sure that Cameroon will fall. We have to win the home matches and some away fixtures to qualify, and I believe we can easily achieve it if we maintain the focus,” he said.
Ouma’s confidence reflects the high spirits within the Harambee Stars camp, as they strive to outshine one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses. Cameroon, a five-time AFCON champion, presents a formidable challenge for Kenya, but Ouma believes that with proper focus and commitment, the Stars can secure a win and keep their qualification campaign on track.
The midfielder, who has been performing well for his Swedish club, acknowledged the competition within the national team, particularly in his position. Despite the competition, he sees it as a positive development for both the players and the coaching staff. “It’s good to be back in the national team after missing out in the last round. There is quite some competition in the team which is a good thing for the country and the coach. It is good for us (players) too, because it calls for hard work,” Ouma added.
The 21-year-old, a former Nairobi City Stars player, has been having an outstanding season at Elfsborg, not only in the Swedish league but also in European competitions. Ouma’s contributions to his club’s success, particularly in the UEFA Europa League, have earned him recognition, and he has continued to showcase his skills on the international stage. Most notably, he recently played the full 90 minutes in Elfsborg’s 2-1 victory over Italian side AS Roma in the Europa League, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in European football.
Ouma’s sentiments were echoed by winger Adam Wilson, who plays for Welsh club The New Saints FC. Wilson highlighted the importance of desire and determination in the upcoming match against Cameroon. “It will be a good battle. It will come down to who wants it more, and I feel like the team wants it. It is about the heart and desire to win and hopefully get the three points and eventually six points,” Wilson noted.
The Harambee Stars squad had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the pitch at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé during a training session on Thursday evening. The session allowed the players to acclimatize to the playing conditions ahead of Friday’s showdown. With both Kenya and Cameroon sitting on four points in Group J, a victory would put either team in a strong position to top the group and enhance their chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Kenya’s head coach, Engin Firat, is aware of the challenge that lies ahead, but he is equally confident in his team’s ability to deliver a strong performance. Firat, who has been guiding the team through the qualifiers, has emphasized the importance of tactical discipline and focus in overcoming Cameroon’s physical and technical strengths. The Turkish tactician has been working to instill a sense of belief and resilience in his players, qualities that will be essential in their quest for qualification.
The match against Cameroon comes with historical significance, as the two sides have not faced each other competitively in recent years. Their last meeting was in January 2010, during a friendly match, where Cameroon defeated Kenya 3-1. Although that match was played over a decade ago, the Harambee Stars are eager to rewrite history and prove that they are capable of competing against Africa’s elite teams.
Both Kenya and Cameroon will be looking to take advantage of Zimbabwe’s recent surge to the top of Group J. Zimbabwe moved to the summit of the group after their 1-0 victory over Namibia on Thursday, meaning the pressure is on both teams to secure a win and keep pace in the race for qualification. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the tournament in Morocco, making every match crucial in the final stages of the group phase.
The Harambee Stars will be relying on a blend of youth and experience to carry them through the qualifiers. In addition to Ouma and Wilson, the team boasts several key players who have been instrumental in their recent success. Among them is captain Michael Olunga, the prolific striker who currently plays for Qatari club Al-Duhail. Olunga’s goal-scoring prowess has been a major asset for Kenya in recent years, and he will undoubtedly play a central role in their efforts against Cameroon.
Olunga, who has previously played in Japan, Spain, and Sweden, is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most talented footballers. His leadership on and off the pitch has been crucial in galvanizing the team, and he will be looking to add to his impressive goal tally in Friday’s match. In addition to his attacking abilities, Olunga’s experience in high-pressure situations will be vital as the Harambee Stars navigate the complexities of international competition.
Another player to watch in the Kenyan squad is defender Joseph Okumu, who currently plays for Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims in France. Okumu has been a consistent presence in Kenya’s backline and has earned praise for his defensive solidity and composure under pressure. His experience in European football has helped him develop into one of the continent’s most reliable defenders, and he will be tasked with keeping Cameroon’s potent attacking threats at bay.
Cameroon, on the other hand, will be relying on their rich footballing pedigree and the support of their home fans to secure a win. The Indomitable Lions, as they are known, have a storied history in African football, having won the AFCON title five times. With a squad full of talented players who ply their trade in Europe’s top leagues, Cameroon will be a formidable opponent for the Harambee Stars.
Among the key players for Cameroon is forward Vincent Aboubakar, who has been a talismanic figure for the national team in recent years. Aboubakar, who plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, is known for his clinical finishing and ability to score crucial goals in big matches. His leadership and experience will be crucial as Cameroon looks to secure maximum points in front of their home supporters.
The Indomitable Lions also boast a strong midfield, anchored by players like André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who plays for Napoli in Italy. Zambo Anguissa’s ability to control the tempo of the game and break up opposition attacks will be key to Cameroon’s strategy, as they aim to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Cameroon will be looking to players like Jean-Charles Castelletto, who plays for FC Nantes in France, to provide stability at the back. Castelletto’s aerial prowess and physicality make him a difficult defender to bypass, and his partnership with other experienced defenders will be crucial in keeping Kenya’s attacking threats at bay.
As the two teams prepare to face off, the stakes could not be higher. Both Kenya and Cameroon are vying for a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament, and a win in Friday’s match would be a significant step towards achieving that goal. With both teams level on points in Group J, the outcome of the match could have a major impact on the final standings and determine who qualifies for the prestigious tournament.
For Kenya, a positive result in Yaoundé would not only boost their chances of qualification but also serve as a statement of intent as they continue to build towards becoming a force in African football. The Harambee Stars have shown glimpses of their potential in recent years, and a victory over Cameroon would be a major milestone in their development as a team.
As the Harambee Stars take to the field on Friday, they will be carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to see them succeed on the continental stage. With the right combination of skill, determination, and tactical discipline, Ouma and his teammates have the potential to upset the odds and secure a memorable victory in Yaoundé.
