Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony Akumu is brimming with confidence ahead of their pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 qualifying matches against five-time champions Cameroon. Kenya will travel to Yaoundé on Friday, October 11, 2024, for the first leg before hosting the return fixture in Kampala, Uganda, on Monday, October 14, 2024.

“Our confidence and morale are high, considering the importance of these two games,” said Akumu, a key player under head coach Engin Firat. “It’s crucial that we stay focused, and I believe if everyone gives their best, we can achieve a positive outcome.”

Akumu, who plays for Football Club Kheybar Khorramabad in Iran’s top-flight league, joins a squad that has shown resilience in the AFCON Group J qualifiers. Harambee Stars are currently tied at the top of the table with four points, level with Cameroon, after securing a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe and a 2-1 victory over Namibia.

Cameroon, known for their dominance at home, edged Namibia 1-0 before being held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Kampala. With a reputation for being unbeatable at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium for nearly 40 years, the Indomitable Lions will be a formidable opponent in their home fixture.

ALSO READ: Cameroon Scrambles For New Kits Ahead Of Kenya Clash

The Harambee Stars, however, are buoyed by the return of captain Michael Olunga, who missed the last two matches due to injury. The Al Duhail SC striker is back in camp, alongside right-back Rooney, who is also returning from an injury sustained in the Zimbabwe game. Unfortunately, creative midfielder Austine Odhiambo could miss the games due to a knee injury.

Kenya’s coach Engin Firat remains cautiously optimistic as the team prepares for one of their most challenging matchups. “We know how tough this will be, but I believe we’ve reached a point where only the finer details will determine the outcome,” Firat said after the final training session at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.

Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are all hosting their home games at neutral venues due to a lack of CAF-approved stadiums. Harambee Stars will play their ‘home’ leg in Kampala, Uganda, as they continue their quest for AFCON qualification.

Securing maximum points from these two matches could significantly boost Kenya’s chances of early qualification for the 2025 tournament in Morocco. “It won’t be easy for Cameroon either,” Firat added. “These two matches will decide whether we return to AFCON or not.”

Akumu’s belief in the team’s potential is echoed by Olunga, who called on fans to rally behind the team. “There was a lot of negativity after the Zimbabwe match, but once we won against Namibia, the belief came back. This is a two-legged tie, and we ask for patience and unwavering support from all Kenyans,” said Olunga.