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Harambee Stars were battered 4-1 in the first leg on Friday, but the Cameroon coach has revealed the factor that gives them an advantage heading into the second leg.
Cameroon head coach Marc Brys believes Kenya’s decision to host their return AFCON 2025 Group J return leg qualifier in Kampala will have a massive impact on the result.
The Indomitable Lions, who were buoyed by their supporters who turned up in large numbers to support their team on Friday, battered Harambee Stars 4-1 to give them the early advantage before they renew acquaintances on Monday.
Due to the lack of a FIFA and CAF approved stadium to host international matches in Kenya, Harambee Stars are hosting their home matches at Uganda’s Nelson Mandela Stadium (Namboole) in Kampala.
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19:00 - 13.10.2024
'Of course I have to react' - Harambee Stars coach hints at shaking things up following Patrick Matasi's mistakes against Cameroon
Matasi did not have the best of games against Cameroon on Friday night, making two mistakes that led directly to goals as the Indomitable Lions cruised to a 4-1 win.
Brys is worried that playing in an empty stadium, a condition Stars have been accustomed to for a long time ever since the ban on international football was lifted in 2023, will play a big part.
“It's a dead stadium, so you have to bring it out of yourself. If you play a home game, the people will shout at you in front,” Brys told members of the press on Sunday afternoon.
“They also give you power and drive and confidence. So in another stadium, in an empty stadium like this, a big stadium also, you just have your colleagues on the field and your coach who starts shouting all the time to you. But for the rest, you have to do it yourself.”
Meanwhile, Brys has warned his charges against underestimating the Kenyans, who looked out of sorts all evening, showcasing an erratic display where Cameroon took advantage of their mistakes.
Brys believes it would be dangerous to take a wounded animal for granted.
“There's always a danger after a good game, you have to be sharp, you have to be attentive. I think Kenya also proved the games before (in september against Zimbabwe and Namibia) where they had a good moment, so it's a good thing. So it would be stupid of us to underestimate their qualities. “
Kenya, who are trying to qualify for their first tournament since 2019, have a chance to get a positive result which will put them back in the driving seat.
“After beating the team for one, usually you have the tendency of believing that the reverse fixture is for formality. I don't know where you get it. We are very humble. Every game we try to give the best of ourselves."
Brys has promised to set his side up and play in a way that will put a lot of smiles on the faces of itheir citizens.
“I think we have 30 million Cameroon people. So we have our... We have to carry a lot of load, so we're ready for that. We accept the stress, the pressure, and we try to do our best, and we will see how far it will bring us.”
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