Cameroon preserved their perfect record against Kenya beating them 4-1 in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Friday evening.

The Indomitable Lions equally ensured that their history of not losing at the stadium, regarded as their football Mecca, in over 40 years remained intact.

Skipper Vincent Abubakar opened the scoring from the spot in the 8th minute before Hongla Martin doubled the lead with a furious shot that went past Patrick Matasi’s hands in the 39th minute.

The Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga pulled one back with a fine header past Andre Onana in the 42nd minute but dangerman Mbeumo Bryan responded immediately completing a deadly counter attack to restore the lead for the five-time African Champions.

Christian Bassogog stretched the lead further in the 55th minute after Anthony Akumu lost the ball with a lousy touch in the midfield. Matasi was equally guilty, failing to commit to stop an advancing Bassogog.

Cameroon, backed by a capacity crowd, showed class from the word go, bossing possession and dominating Stars with sleek passing football.

Frank Zambo Anguisa who was particularly a handful for Kenya saw his close shot saved by Matasi, who had to cool off due to the impact in 27th minute.

Stars equally got their early moments with Eric Ouma left cross picked by Onana in the 24th minute.
Cameroon kept possession in the dying minutes of the game with Kenya pressing to reduce the deficit. Coach Engin rejigged the squad by introducing Joseph Okumu for Amos Nondi who had a yellow card in the first half, John Avire who scored against Namibia was also brought on board same as Screvin Richard, but the Lions had the game under lock and key.

Avire had the best chance for goal in the second half with a fine freekick which Onana tipped over for a wasted corner in the 75th minute.

The loss leaves Kenya third in Group J of the qualifiers with four points, one of Zimbabwe who edged Namibia 1-0 on Thursday.

The second leg of the encounter is set for Kampala, Uganda on Monday with the Lions, who are leading the group fancying their chances of booking an early ticket to Morocco next year.

Cameroon Starting XI; Andre Onana (GK), Wooh Christopher (Enzo Boyomo, 18′) Ngadeu Michael, Nouhou Tolo, Tchatchoua Jackson, Baleba Carlos, Hongla Martin (Kunde Malong, 78′) Bassogog Christian Mbeumo Bryan, Aboubakar Vincent (Franck Magri, 77′).

Kenya Starting XI; Patrick Matasi (GK), Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi (Joseph Okumu, 45′), Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada (Chris Erambo, 86′), Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, (Scriven Afred, 78′), Michael Olunga (C), Rooney Onyango