Harambee stars lose to Cameroon in AFCON return match in Kampala

Kampala, 

Monday, 14 October, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Harambee Stars' hopes of qualifying to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations were dealt a huge blow as Cameroon beat them 1-0 in the return leg played in Kampala on Monday afternoon.

Starts lost 4-1 to the Indomitable Lions a week ago in Younde only to be stunned again in their fourth match of group J. 

Captain Michael Olunga led the team to a nice start in the opening minutes as he tested Cameroon's shotstopper Andre Onana with a beautiful strike but the Manchester United man responded perfectly to deny the Al Duhail striker. 

The Indomitable Lions were unlucky to have Nouhou Tolo's goal ruled out for an offside just at the stroke of half time.

Both teams started the second half with changes as Firat opted to bring on Alphonce for Daniel Anyembe, while Cameroon replaced Pierre with Boris Enow.

Cameroon broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark when Enow curved a delicious left-footed freekick into the back of the net Omondi would have done little to prevent.

Firat responded almost immediately, subbing on Amos Nondi and Timothy Ouma for John Avire and Duke Abuya respectively.

The Indomitable Lions kept Harambee Stars at bay with the Kenyans desparately loking for an equaliser to get back in the game.

Cameroon stood firm on defense to deny Kenya any chance of a comeback and seal the win to cement their place at the top of the table in group J.

Kenya now find themselves in third place with 4 points, 6 adrift the summit and 1 behind Zimbabwe in second who play later today.

Zimbabwe would go 8 points if they win against point less Namibia at home, a result that would leave Harambee starts trailing behind them by four points.