Harambee Stars Aim for Redemption in Key AFCON Qualifier Against Cameroon

Michael Olunga, the captain of the Harambee Stars, has rallied his teammates to maintain focus ahead of a crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cameroon. The rematch, scheduled for Monday, comes just days after Kenya suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat in the first leg, a blow to their AFCON qualification ambitions. Despite carrying a thigh injury that might sideline him for the return fixture, Olunga remains optimistic about his team’s chances of bouncing back.

The defeat to Cameroon exposed Kenya’s vulnerability, but Olunga believes the team can learn from its mistakes and turn the tide. “Of course we know the opponent, how we played in the last two days. It was not an easy game for us, but of course we have to learn from the first leg fixture,” he said. For Olunga and his teammates, the focus now shifts to starting strong and playing “the real football that Kenya deserves.”

The Kenyan side, currently under the management of head coach Engin Firat, had been unbeaten in Group J before the loss. They started their qualification campaign with a solid 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe and followed it up with a 2-1 victory over Namibia. However, the defeat against Cameroon has intensified pressure on the team, making the upcoming fixture pivotal for their AFCON ambitions.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Focus

The Harambee Stars’ attack has heavily relied on Olunga, who scored the team’s only goal in the recent defeat. His fitness is now a major concern for the technical bench, with Firat exploring alternative attacking options in case the forward is unavailable. The loss to Cameroon showcased gaps in Kenya’s defensive organization and attacking execution, areas that Firat is determined to address before the rematch.

Kenya’s captain acknowledged the strength of the Cameroonian squad but emphasized the importance of focusing on their own gameplay rather than worrying about the opponents’ form. “The last fixture we didn’t start strong, but we want to try and contain our opponents and try to get positive results. Well of course, it’s a strong team, you can see all the departments, they are very strong, but I believe this is football, and like I say, in the last fixture we made a lot of mistakes,” Olunga noted.

With Kenya needing a positive result to stay in contention for AFCON qualification, the players are aware that they cannot afford to repeat past errors. “It will boil down to what we can do as a team. We don’t want to focus so much on the opponents, we already saw them. We know they have weaknesses, and we’ll try to use these in the upcoming game,” Olunga said. His optimism reflects the squad’s determination to give their best effort in what has become a must-win encounter.

Olunga’s Milestones and Team-First Mentality

Despite the disappointment of the recent loss, Olunga achieved a personal milestone, scoring his 30th international goal during the match. He now stands just five goals away from equaling William Ouma’s record as Kenya’s all-time leading goal-scorer. However, the striker has downplayed individual accolades, emphasizing the importance of collective success over personal achievements.

“For me, the focus is not on my goals but on what we achieve as a team. We have to think of the bigger picture, and that means ensuring we perform well together. It’s not about individual records but about qualifying for AFCON,” Olunga stated.

The forward’s leadership and mentality have been critical for the Harambee Stars, inspiring the younger players and keeping the team united during difficult moments. His call for focus and determination has resonated throughout the camp, especially as the team seeks to avoid further slip-ups in the qualification campaign.

Open Group Keeps Hopes Alive

Despite the setback, the group standings remain open, giving Kenya a chance to recover. Cameroon currently leads the group with seven points, while Zimbabwe is just one point ahead of Kenya. With three games left to play, including the return fixture against Cameroon, the Harambee Stars are still in the hunt for qualification.

Olunga highlighted the importance of staying optimistic, noting that the competition is far from over. “Of course, the table is quite open. Cameroon is only seven points away from us, Zimbabwe is only one point ahead of us. So it’s all to play for. We cannot speak of losing hope at this moment,” he remarked.

The group dynamic means that a win against Cameroon could change the trajectory of Kenya’s campaign, while another loss would leave their hopes hanging by a thread. With two more fixtures to follow the Monday clash, Kenya still has a fighting chance to secure a spot at the tournament.

Challenges of Hosting Away From Home

One challenge facing the Harambee Stars is playing their home matches away from Kenya. Due to logistical issues, the team has had to host its fixtures in Uganda, complicating their preparations and robbing them of the home advantage they would have enjoyed. Olunga acknowledged the challenge but also expressed gratitude to the Ugandan federation for providing a venue for the team’s matches.

“It could be good if we could have played back home in Kenya, but thanks to Uganda and their federation also for allowing us to host here. We want to come here and also represent East Africa in general,” Olunga said. His words reflect the team’s desire to make the most of their circumstances and represent the region with pride.

The lack of home support has been a disadvantage, but the players are determined to give their best regardless of the setting. Firat has worked to instill a positive mindset within the squad, urging the players to embrace the challenge and focus solely on their performance on the pitch.

Coach Firat’s Strategy for Redemption

Coach Engin Firat, who took charge of the Harambee Stars in late 2021, faces the tough task of lifting his squad after the demoralizing defeat. Firat’s tactical approach will be under scrutiny as he looks to address the defensive lapses that plagued the team in the first leg. His decisions on team selection and formation will be crucial, especially if Olunga is unavailable for the match.

Firat’s tenure with Kenya has been marked by gradual improvement, with the team displaying resilience and organization in recent fixtures. Before the loss to Cameroon, the Harambee Stars had gone eight games unbeaten, a streak that included competitive performances against strong opposition. The coach will be counting on his players to rediscover that form and deliver a strong performance in the rematch.

“We know what went wrong in the first leg, and we have discussed it with the players. Now it’s about execution. The players need to stay focused and disciplined for the full 90 minutes,” Firat said. The coach has emphasized the importance of concentration, particularly in the early stages of the game, where the team struggled in the first encounter.

Key Players to Watch

Aside from Olunga, Kenya will rely on other key players to step up in the crucial encounter. Midfielders such as Richard Odada and Kenneth Muguna will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game, while defenders Joseph Okumu and Eric Ouma will need to tighten up at the back to prevent Cameroon from exploiting their weaknesses.

The forward line could see contributions from Benson Omala or John Macharia if Olunga is ruled out. Both players have shown promise in recent matches and will be eager to make an impact in a high-stakes game.

Cameroon, on the other hand, boasts a talented squad filled with experienced players competing at top levels in Europe. The Kenyan defense will have to be wary of their pace and technical ability, particularly in transition. However, Firat is confident that his team can rise to the occasion and contain their opponents.

The Path Forward

The outcome of the match will have significant implications for Kenya’s AFCON hopes. A win would not only avenge the earlier defeat but also reinvigorate the team’s campaign, boosting morale for the remaining fixtures. On the other hand, a loss would leave the Harambee Stars with little room for error in their final two matches.

The players are aware of what’s at stake and are determined to give their all on the pitch. “We know this is a crucial game, and we are ready to fight for the three points. The group is still open, and we believe in our chances,” Olunga concluded.

The Harambee Stars’ quest for redemption and AFCON qualification hinges on their performance in the upcoming clash. With the right mentality, tactical discipline, and a bit of luck, Kenya can keep their dreams alive and continue their journey toward continental glory.