Kenya’s Harambee Stars are gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying double-header, set to be played this evening at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon. Both teams are tied at the top of Group J with four points each, making this match a crucial step toward securing a spot in the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is well aware of the magnitude of the task ahead, especially with Cameroon boasting an unbeaten record at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium that stretches back nearly 40 years. However, Firat remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances, stressing that the match will come down to fine margins. “We know how hard it will be, but I think we are at a level where only the details will decide,” said Firat after the team’s final training session at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.

Kenya has had a solid start to the qualifiers, opening with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe before securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Namibia in South Africa. The return of key players like captain Michael Olunga, who missed the previous two qualifiers due to injury, is expected to provide a significant boost to Kenya’s attacking line. Olunga, speaking ahead of the match, acknowledged the challenges but called for patience and support from fans. “There was a lot of negativity after the Zimbabwe match, but when we posted something positive against Namibia, everybody started believing. So, it’s a two-legged fixture, and we call for patience and support from all Kenyans,” he urged.

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The Indomitable Lions, on the other hand, come into the match with their own solid form, having edged Namibia 1-0 and settled for a goalless draw against Zimbabwe. Cameroon’s home advantage at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, where they haven’t lost in close to four decades, adds another layer of difficulty for Harambee Stars. The stadium is regarded as the “football Mecca” of Cameroon, and playing there will be a stern test for Kenya.

Coach Firat is well aware of the historical weight of the venue but remains defiant. “It will not be easy for Cameroon because these two matches will signal if we will be going back to AFCON or not,” he said. Maximum points over the two legs could see Kenya edge closer to booking a ticket to Morocco for AFCON 2025.

Looking ahead to the second leg, set to be played behind closed doors in Kampala, Uganda on Monday, Firat explained the reasoning behind the decision to exclude fans, citing security concerns, particularly regarding Cameroon’s star goalkeeper André Onana, who plays for Manchester United. “There were a lot of security concerns around Onana when Cameroon played Zimbabwe in Kampala. We don’t have any positive feedback about what could happen this time around,” Firat said, referring to Ugandan fans who heavily supported Onana during the previous match. “You saw Ugandan supporters get behind them (Cameroon). It doesn’t make sense to help Cameroon,” he added.

As the team prepares for the first leg, Kenyan football legend Peter Dawo has also lent his voice of support, urging the team not to be intimidated by Cameroon’s formidable record. Dawo, who famously helped Kenya hold Cameroon to a 3-3 draw during the 1987 All African Games, believes the current Stars squad has what it takes to put up a strong fight. “Don’t approach the game with the mentality that Cameroon is a superior side and that we’ve never beaten them,” Dawo advised. “Play your game; football is dynamic and has changed over the years since we last played them.”

Dawo, known for his bullish style of play, is encouraged by Kenya’s recent victory over Namibia and believes they can build on that momentum. “It’s a good record which they can build on,” he added.

The Harambee Stars squad has also been bolstered by the availability of key defenders Collins Sichenje and Johnstone Omurwa, expected to strengthen the backline against Cameroon’s attacking prowess.

As Kenya heads into this evening’s crucial match, the team is hopeful that they can defy the odds and emerge with a positive result in Yaounde. A strong performance over the two legs could secure an early qualification for AFCON 2025, setting up a much-needed return to the continental stage for the Harambee Stars.