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Cameroon has announced a last-minute venue change for their AFCON qualifier against Kenya, sparking accusations of foul play.
Harambee Stars’ next 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cameroon has been moved from Japoma Stadium in Douala to the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, just eight days before the crucial encounter.
The unexpected venue change has raised eyebrows in Kenya sparking concerns that the Indomitable Lions might be using underhanded tactics to unsettle the Kenyan team.
The decision was confirmed on October 3 by Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) Secretary General Blaise Djounang.
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06:30 - 03.10.2024
Why Harambee Stars will play behind closed doors in crucial AFCON qualifier
Harambee Stars' crucial AFCON qualifier will be played behind closed doors with no fans allowed in the stadium.
The shift follows a CAF inspection that accredited only two of the five venues visited in Cameroon.
With both teams tied on points in Group J, this match on October 11 has become pivotal for both sides in their quest to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
“The Cameroon Football Federation is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the inspection mission carried out by the independent inspector of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on 26, 27, and 28 September 2024 in Cameroon,” the official statement from FECAFOOT reads.
“The Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé and the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam are the only venues approved by CAF to host matches on day three of the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers."
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12:15 - 02.10.2024
Inter Milan star leads trio rejecting Cameroon call-up for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Harambee Stars
Cameroon faces a setback as three key players, including Inter Milan defender Yann Aurel Bisseck reject call-up ahead of the crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers double-header against Kenya
For Kenyan supporters, however, the timing of the switch is seen as highly suspicious.
With Cameroon and Kenya currently tied on four points in Group J, some argue that the move from Japoma Stadium, where Cameroon had originally planned to host the game, might be part of a ploy to unsettle the Harambee Stars.
The Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé is widely regarded as a fortress for the Indomitable Lions, and many wonder if this sudden change gives the hosts an unfair advantage.
“This is a classic case of gamesmanship,” one Kenyan football fan Elvis Mugeni told Pulse Sports.
“Why would you change the venue just a week before the match unless you're trying to mess with the opponent's preparations?”
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06:00 - 03.10.2024
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat banks on key duo for Cameroon double-header
Both players missed the side's last two fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia, but are back in the squad ahead of their crunch double encounter against Cameroon.
The last time Cameroon played at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, they secured a dominant performance during their World Cup qualifiers in June.
Moving the Kenya game to this familiar ground might bolster their confidence after a less-than-convincing draw against Zimbabwe in their previous qualifier.
Cameroon's decision is further complicated by the fact that FECAFOOT’s inspection notice was issued on October 3, yet the CAF inspection took place in late September. This raises the question of why the venue change was not communicated earlier allowing both teams ample time to adjust their preparations.
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08:00 - 02.10.2024
Harambee Stars midfielder on the radar of Premier League outfit Brentford
The former Nairobi City Stars man was reportedly scouted by Brentford and Luton scouts on his Europa League debut for Swedish outfit Elfsborg against Az Alkmar, a game he ended up scoring and assisting.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is said to be focusing on the game itself rather than the off-field drama. However, the sudden switch is likely to impact the team’s travel logistics and overall game plan.
Harambee Stars were preparing to face Cameroon in Douala, a coastal city with significantly different playing conditions compared to the higher altitude of Yaoundé.
Despite these concerns, the FECAFOOT statement emphasized that the venue change was purely logistical stemming from the CAF inspection report.
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15:04 - 02.10.2024
Okumu, Olunga, Odada headline Harambee Stars squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has announced a 28-man provisional squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon.
Both sides will be under immense pressure come October 11 as Cameroon positioned second in Group J are keen to make up for their frustrating draw against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars are eager to solidify their standing in the race for AFCON qualification.
The reverse fixture scheduled for October 14 in Kampala, Uganda could prove just as crucial. But for now, all eyes are on Yaounde where the Indomitable Lions will once again look to assert their dominance on home soil.
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