AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Harambee Stars and curious case of 39.3% possession

Harambee Stars' AFCON qualifier against Cameroon ended in a 4-1 loss with a controversial penalty raising eyebrows early on.

Harambee Stars stepped onto the pitch at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde for their third 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier against Cameroon with hopes as high as Mt. Kenya.

But if you thought hope alone could win a game, welcome to football 101, where reality often comes with a four-goal sucker punch!

Cameroon triumphed 4-1 in a match that had Harambee Stars playing like they were allergic to possession—because, really, 39.3% ball possession is an art form few teams master. We, however, seem to have perfected it.

The match started with energy, and for a while, it seemed like the Stars might have a glimmer of a chance. The optimism lasted about as long as a mosquito in a zapper.

Cameroon came out swinging, enjoying 60.7% possession as if they had reserved the pitch for a leisurely stroll.

Meanwhile, our boys looked like they were renting the ball by the minute—giving it back to Cameroon as soon as they got a touch. You’ve got to respect that level of generosity.

But before we dig into the tactical brilliance that was not, let us talk about the event that set the stage for this stat-padding thriller: the first goal. This is where we need to have a word with referee Issa Sy.

Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma was judged to have handled the ball in the box after a shot from Bryan Mbeumo.

The ball barely brushed his arm, but Issa Sy, in his infinite wisdom, saw a crime that deserved the ultimate football punishment—a penalty.

Cameroon slots it in, 1-0, and we are off to a rocky start, thanks to the referee’s gift-wrapping skills.

From then on, the stats tell the story of a team that just could not keep up.

Cameroon had nine shots, five of which were on target, showing a clear intent to put our keeper to work.

Kenya, bless our ambition, managed six shots, but only two troubled the Cameroonian goalkeeper.

I am not saying we were shy, but sometimes it felt like we were aiming for the corner flag instead of the net. Perhaps our strategy was to surprise them with our unpredictability? It is all part of the grand plan, right?

Corners were another area where we seemed to tread lightly. Cameroon earned themselves three corners, while we graciously took one, possibly as a way to leave something for the next match.

No need to be greedy, after all. As for offsides, Cameroon got caught twice, but we only ventured offside once, proving that we at least know how to time our runs when we do get the ball—on rare occasions.

In terms of fouls, let us just say we were not shy. Kenya committed 12 fouls, a number that would make any rugby team proud. Cameroon only committed 11, but clearly, we could not let them have that stat too. Physicality on the pitch? Check.

And finally, the cards. We collected one yellow card, because what was an international match without a little bit of color? Cameroon, however, remained cardless, possibly because they were too busy dominating to get in trouble. Talk about multitasking.

The game ended with a final scoreline of 4-1, and despite the harsh reality of the numbers, you have to admire Harambee Stars’ ability to maintain their cool under pressure.

Well, except for that possession stat—we are still trying to figure out what happened there. Maybe we were saving the ball control for our next match?

In all fairness, Cameroon was the better team. But when you look at how Kenya handled the pressure, dodged offsides, and took the referee’s penalty decision on the chin, there is a certain pride in the way we approached the game.

Sure, 39.3% possession might not win matches, but it sure gives you a story to tell. And isn't that what football’s all about?

How they line up:

Kenya: P. Matasi, E. Ouma, S. Owino, D. Anyembe, A. Nondi (J. Okumu 46’), T. Ouma (J. Avire 66’), R. Odada (C. Erambo 89’), A. Akumu, D. Abuya (A. Scriven 78’), M. Olunga, R. Onyango