Cameroon set to face Kenya in AFCON 2025 qualifiers

By Robert Mutasi 

Back in action, the Indomitable Lions meet Kenya in one of the hottest AFCON 2025 qualifier matches scheduled for October 11, 2024, in Douala, Cameroon. 

The return leg is scheduled three days later in Kampala, Uganda, on 14th October 2024. Both teams are angling for top slots in Group J, with Kenya leading the pack after a hard-won match against Namibia.

The Kenyans come into the match full of confidence, topping the group following their 2-1 victory over Namibia. The win has the Harambee Stars well-placed for qualification into the tournament.

This current team, led by head coach Engin Firat, after a few inconsistent years, would like to leave its mark on the international stage.

This means that Kenya has not qualified for any AFCON tournament since 2019, and this might be a point of change in this match.

On the other hand, Cameroon occupies the second position in Group J, which has identical points with Kenya, but behind in goal difference. 

Cameroon will equally be keen to flex muscles anew on the African football landscape, having boasted five AFCON titles.

The Indomitable Lions are optimistic of booking a ticket for the 2025 AFCON tournament under the guidance of Belgian head coach Marc Brys.

Brys had come this year, full of optimism ahead of the upcoming fixtures:.

"We are very happy to be working together in such a positive environment," he said. "For example, the clothes have improved-even that makes a difference. We always need people around us who are ready to support the team, and that is what it is now. Much better, compared to what it was before.

Historically, Cameroon has always emerged top in matches involving both countries, Kenya included.

The Indomitable Lions have always come tops in the AFCON qualifiers, with the most common 1-0 victory in Nairobi during the 1998 qualifiers. 

This is the only struggle that Kenya has managed to break Cameroon's stronghold over the years, and they are looking to reverse that in the upcoming fixtures.

But with the two teams being on even points, though, matches in Douala and Kampala might have the final say that determines which side advances from Group J.

While Kenya would be looking to capitalize on the winning momentum, Cameroon, backed by their home support and a legacy of success, would seek to re-establish themselves as African football giants.