The Harambee Stars of Kenya are gearing up for their third 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier, facing off against Cameroon at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé. This encounter comes at a crucial time in their qualification campaign, with the Stars aiming to build on their recent momentum following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Namibia in their previous fixture held in Kampala. With some key players set to return to the starting lineup, Kenya will be looking to secure another crucial win against one of Africa’s football giants, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
The match is set to kick off at 7pm East African Time (EAT), with Kenyan fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a high-stakes game. One of the most significant boosts to the Harambee Stars lineup comes in the form of the return of their talismanic captain, Michael Olunga, who missed the previous game against Namibia. His presence up front will undoubtedly provide the Kenyan attack with a cutting edge that could prove pivotal in breaking down Cameroon’s strong defensive line.
In goal, Bryne Omondi is expected to be the man between the sticks for Kenya. The Bandari FC goalkeeper has consistently shown composure and sharp reflexes, making him a reliable figure at the back. Omondi’s performances in previous matches have been solid, and he will need to be at his very best to thwart the potent Cameroonian attack led by their own stars. His shot-stopping ability, combined with a keen sense of positioning, will be essential in keeping Cameroon at bay and ensuring Kenya remains competitive throughout the match.
Moving to the defensive setup, the left-back position will most likely be anchored by Eric Ouma, a player who has become one of the most dependable figures in Kenya’s defense. Ouma’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has earned him recognition as one of the key players in the Harambee Stars squad. His pace and vision on the left flank allow him to bomb forward and support the attack while also maintaining a solid defensive presence. As Kenya faces a team as formidable as Cameroon, Ouma’s defensive discipline and ability to track back quickly will be vital in containing the Cameroonian wingers, who are known for their speed and trickery.
On the opposite side of the defense, Daniel Ayembe is expected to retain his place at right-back. Like Ouma, Ayembe brings a combination of speed and defensive awareness to his role. His ability to contribute to both attack and defense makes him a versatile player in Kenya’s setup. Ayembe’s task will be to nullify the threat posed by Cameroon’s wide players, who are likely to target the flanks in an attempt to stretch the Kenyan defense. Ayembe will need to be alert and positionally sound to prevent crosses from being delivered into dangerous areas.
At the heart of the defense, Joseph Okumu is set to be a crucial figure for Kenya. Okumu has established himself as a formidable center-back, known for his strength, aerial ability, and calmness under pressure. His physical presence will be important in dealing with Cameroon’s physical style of play, particularly when it comes to aerial duels and set pieces. Okumu’s partnership with his fellow center-back will need to be strong and well-coordinated if Kenya is to have any hope of keeping a clean sheet against a team as powerful as Cameroon.
Alongside Okumu, Collins Sichenje is expected to either partner him in central defense or play as a deep-lying midfielder, depending on the tactical approach employed by Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat. Sichenje’s versatility makes him a valuable asset to the team, as he is capable of playing in multiple positions. Whether he lines up in defense or midfield, Sichenje will be tasked with providing defensive solidity and breaking up Cameroon’s attacks before they reach dangerous areas. His ability to initiate attacks from deep positions will also be crucial, as Kenya will need to transition quickly from defense to attack if they are to catch Cameroon off guard.
In the midfield, Kenya is expected to rely on the partnership of Teddy Akumu and Richard Odada. Both players bring a blend of defensive cover and playmaking ability to the team, forming a solid foundation in the middle of the park. Akumu, a seasoned midfielder with vast international experience, is known for his ability to break up opposition play and protect the backline. His physicality and defensive awareness will be key in disrupting Cameroon’s attacking moves and preventing them from dominating the midfield.
On the other hand, Richard Odada brings a more creative element to Kenya’s midfield. While he is also capable of fulfilling defensive duties, Odada’s passing range and vision make him an important playmaker for the team. He will be tasked with linking up play between the defense and attack, ensuring that Kenya can maintain possession and create opportunities in the final third. Odada’s ability to find pockets of space and deliver accurate passes will be crucial in unlocking Cameroon’s defense and setting up goal-scoring chances for the forwards.
Further up the field, Rooney Onyango is likely to be deployed on the wing, where his pace and dribbling ability will be crucial to Kenya’s attacking strategy. Onyango’s speed allows him to stretch the opposition defense and create space for his teammates. He will be expected to take on defenders and deliver crosses into the box, providing service for the likes of Michael Olunga. In a match where Kenya may have to rely on quick counter-attacks, Onyango’s ability to transition from defense to attack quickly will be vital in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
In the attacking midfield position, Timothy Ouma is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the previous game against Namibia. Ouma’s creativity and attacking flair make him one of Kenya’s most exciting young talents. His ability to find gaps in the opposition’s defense and deliver incisive passes will be important in breaking down Cameroon’s defensive line. Ouma’s vision and quick thinking in the final third will be key in unlocking the Cameroonian defense and creating chances for the forwards.
Duke Abuya is also expected to play a vital role in the attacking midfield, linking up play and creating opportunities for the forwards. Abuya’s technical ability and understanding of the game make him an important player in Kenya’s attacking setup. He will be tasked with connecting the midfield and attack, ensuring that Kenya can maintain fluidity in their play and create goal-scoring opportunities. Abuya’s movement off the ball will also be important, as he will need to find space between the lines and make himself available for passes.
Up front, captain Michael Olunga will spearhead Kenya’s attack. Olunga’s return to the starting lineup is a huge boost for the Harambee Stars, as he is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in African football. Known for his strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing, Olunga is a constant threat to opposition defenses. His ability to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play will be important in Kenya’s attacking strategy, as they look to create chances against a strong Cameroonian defense.
Olunga’s leadership on the field will also be crucial, as he is not only a goal scorer but also an inspirational figure for the team. His presence in the dressing room and on the pitch will undoubtedly lift the spirits of his teammates, who will be looking to him for guidance in what is expected to be a tough encounter. Olunga’s ability to find the back of the net will be key to Kenya’s chances of securing a positive result in this match, and he will be eager to make up for his absence in the previous game by delivering a standout performance.
As Kenya prepares for this important clash against Cameroon, the team will need to be well-organized and disciplined if they are to come away with a positive result. The Indomitable Lions are known for their physicality, technical ability, and attacking prowess, making them a formidable opponent. However, Kenya has shown in previous matches that they are capable of competing with the best teams in Africa, and with key players like Michael Olunga and Timothy Ouma back in the lineup, they will be confident of their chances.
Coach Engin Firat will need to get his tactics right, balancing defensive solidity with attacking intent. Kenya cannot afford to sit back and defend for the entire match, as Cameroon’s attacking quality will eventually break through. Instead, the Harambee Stars will need to be proactive in their approach, pressing high up the pitch and looking to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Cameroonian defense.
In summary, Kenya’s probable starting XI against Cameroon is expected to be: Bryne Omondi in goal; Eric Ouma and Daniel Ayembe as the full-backs; Joseph Okumu and Collins Sichenje in central defense; Teddy Akumu and Richard Odada forming the midfield partnership; Rooney Onyango on the wing; Timothy Ouma and Duke Abuya in attacking midfield; and Michael Olunga leading the line as the striker.
