Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is eagerly anticipating the return of two key players, defender Daniel Anyembe and striker Michael Olunga, as Kenya prepares for back-to-back matches against Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. These two fixtures, which will play a critical role in determining Kenya’s qualification chances, are scheduled for this month, with Kenya facing the Indomitable Lions first in an away game on 11 October, followed by a home fixture in Uganda just four days later.
The return of Anyembe and Olunga comes at a crucial time for Firat’s squad, which has struggled with injuries in recent matches. Both players missed Kenya’s previous fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia, and their absence was felt, particularly in the attacking department. Olunga, the team’s captain and top scorer, is widely regarded as the focal point of Kenya’s offensive strategy, and without him, the Harambee Stars failed to score in their goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
Firat has made no secret of his excitement about their return, noting that it will significantly bolster the team’s chances of success in the crucial games ahead. He has had to navigate several challenges in recent months, including the injuries to key players, but the inclusion of these two stars gives him renewed hope.
In particular, Michael Olunga’s return will provide a much-needed boost to Kenya’s attacking force. The towering striker, who plays for Al-Duhail in Qatar, is known for his ability to score goals at key moments, and his absence in recent matches was glaring. Against Zimbabwe, Firat made the tactical decision to start without a recognized striker, a move that was met with some criticism, as the team failed to create significant goal-scoring opportunities. Many pundits pointed to Olunga’s absence as a key factor in the team’s inability to break down Zimbabwe’s defense.
With Olunga back in the fold, Firat will have the option to deploy his preferred 4-3-3 formation, with the captain leading the line. Olunga’s presence not only provides a focal point for Kenya’s attack but also gives the team a leader on the field, someone who can rally his teammates and lead by example. Known for his powerful shots, aerial ability, and positioning, Olunga’s return will likely put Cameroon’s defense on high alert.
In addition to Olunga, the return of Daniel Anyembe strengthens Kenya’s defense, which will be crucial against a physically imposing Cameroon side. Anyembe, who plies his trade in Denmark, missed the matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to injury. His inclusion in the squad brings much-needed experience and depth to the backline, which will be tested by Cameroon’s dangerous forwards.
Kenya has shown resilience in their AFCON qualification campaign so far, sitting at the top of their group with four points after a 2-1 win over Namibia in their second qualifier. However, the upcoming fixtures against Cameroon are expected to be far more challenging, and Firat is aware that the team needs to be at its best to secure a positive result.
The coach has had to manage not only injuries but also the fitness levels of several key players. Masoud Juma and Ayub Timbe are two such players whose availability for the Cameroon matches remains uncertain. Both players have only recently resumed training after recovering from their respective injuries, and Firat has indicated that they may not be fully match fit in time for the double-header against Cameroon. However, he remains hopeful that they will be available for the final stages of the qualification campaign.
One of the logistical challenges facing the Harambee Stars is the short turnaround time between the two matches. With just four days separating the away fixture in Cameroon and the return leg in Uganda, there is a concern about player fatigue and the toll that travel could take on the squad. Firat and his coaching staff are reportedly in discussions about chartering a plane to ensure the team travels efficiently and arrives in Uganda well-rested for the second match. This is not the first time the Kenyan football authorities have had to consider such measures. In previous international fixtures, the government has chartered flights to ensure that the national team can avoid the inconvenience of regular commercial flights, especially for matches in distant West African countries where flight schedules are often less favorable.
Chartering a flight could prove crucial for Kenya’s chances of success in the double-header. Playing away in Cameroon will be a tough challenge, as the Indomitable Lions boast a strong home record and are known for their passionate fans who create an intimidating atmosphere. The altitude and weather conditions in Yaoundé can also be difficult for visiting teams to handle. By ensuring a smooth and timely transition between the two fixtures, the Kenyan team will be better positioned to maintain their fitness and mental sharpness heading into the second leg.
The timing of these matches adds an extra layer of complexity, as Kenya looks to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, which will be held in Morocco. With just a handful of matches remaining in the qualification campaign, every point counts, and Firat is acutely aware that even a single slip-up could jeopardize Kenya’s hopes of securing a place in the tournament. A win in Cameroon would be a massive boost to the team’s qualification chances, while a loss would put them under significant pressure heading into the final matches.
The Cameroonian team, known for their physicality and technical ability, will present a formidable challenge for the Harambee Stars. Historically, Cameroon has been one of the strongest teams in African football, with multiple AFCON titles to their name and a reputation for producing world-class players. Their squad for the upcoming matches is expected to feature a blend of experienced players and rising stars, many of whom play for top clubs in Europe.
Firat will need to devise a tactical plan that can neutralize Cameroon’s attacking threats while also finding a way to break down their well-organized defense. Having Anyembe back in defense will provide Firat with more options, allowing him to potentially shift formations if needed to deal with Cameroon’s dynamic forwards. Anyembe’s experience in European football will also be invaluable in helping the team remain organized at the back.
While the defense will need to be solid, Firat knows that Kenya cannot afford to sit back and defend for 90 minutes. The team will need to find ways to attack and put pressure on Cameroon’s defense, which is where Olunga’s return becomes so critical. The captain’s ability to hold up the ball, bring others into play, and find the back of the net makes him the focal point of Kenya’s attacking strategy.
Midfielder Richard Odada, who has been another standout performer for Kenya in recent months, will also play a key role in the upcoming matches. His ability to break up opposition play and link defense with attack has been vital to Kenya’s recent successes. Odada, who plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer (MLS), is known for his work rate and tactical intelligence, qualities that will be essential against a strong Cameroon midfield.
In addition to the tactical and logistical challenges, there is the psychological aspect of the game to consider. Playing against a team like Cameroon, with their history and pedigree in African football, can be daunting for any opponent. However, Firat has instilled a sense of belief in his players, and there is a growing confidence within the squad that they can compete with the continent’s best.
The Harambee Stars will need to show resilience and mental toughness in both fixtures, particularly in the away match where the hostile environment could be a major factor. Firat’s ability to motivate his players and keep them focused on the task at hand will be crucial to Kenya’s chances of success.
Looking ahead, the return of Olunga and Anyembe, along with the possible involvement of players like Juma and Timbe later in the campaign, gives Kenya a strong foundation on which to build. If they can secure positive results in the two matches against Cameroon, they will be in an excellent position to qualify for AFCON 2025, marking a significant achievement for Kenyan football.
The path to Morocco is still fraught with challenges, but with a nearly full-strength squad and the tactical acumen of Firat at the helm, Kenya has reason to be optimistic about their chances. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the Harambee Stars can turn that optimism into tangible results on the field.
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