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Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has explained how he will approach both matches against Cameroon in the quest to seal qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
As Harambee Stars prepare to face Cameroon in their double-header AFCON 2025 qualifiers, head coach Engin Firat has shared insights into how he plans to counter the threat posed by the Indomitable Lions.
Both Kenya and Cameroon are level on four points in their qualification group, each having secured a win and a draw. Kenya leads the group on goal difference, having drawn 0-0 with Zimbabwe before defeating Namibia 2-1, while Cameroon recorded a 1-0 win over Namibia and a goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
The Harambee Stars will first travel to Yaoundé, where they will face Cameroon on October 11, followed by a home match on October 14 at the Namboole Stadium in Kampala. However, this home game will be played behind closed doors, a decision explained by Firat in a pre-match media briefing.
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"There are a lot of reasons. First of all, you know what happened against Zimbabwe. There are many security reasons. You saw what happened with Onana," Firat said, referring to the support that Manchester United’s Andre Onana received from Ugandan fans during Cameroon’s previous match against Zimbabwe.
"Secondly, you saw the support they get in Uganda, and it doesn't make any sense to help them. So, simple," he added.
Firat emphasised the importance of not just the immediate results but also the long-term goal of building a strong team for the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will host.
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He reiterated that while qualifying for the 2025 tournament in Morocco is a priority, his primary focus remains on developing the squad.
"Remember when I came the first time, I told you it's all about developing the team. If we focus only on the results, we will not achieve our main target, which is AFCON 2027," he said.
"What we are doing now is part of a process. If you look closely, this year we are unbeaten in seven matches. I don't know how often that has happened in Kenya. We have even won one cup abroad."
Firat’s approach reflects a careful balance between immediate success and long-term planning, as he continues to instil a winning mentality within his squad.
Cameroon has named a formidable squad for the upcoming matches, featuring key players like André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Pierre Kunde in midfield, and strikers Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbuemo leading the attacking line.
Despite Cameroon’s strength, Firat remains optimistic and believes Kenya can hold their own against the physical and aggressive style of the Indomitable Lions.
"We know how hard it will be, but I think we are at a level where only the details will decide the outcome. I don't believe it will be easy for Cameroon, even with their full-strength squad," Firat said. "This time I'm happy that we only have a few players missing, compared to before when we had many absentees."
The Harambee Stars coach stressed the importance of meticulous planning over both legs, noting that Cameroon’s physicality and consistency across both matches will be a challenge.
"We are facing a very physical team. They are aggressive and used to playing every match this way, which we are not. So, my game plan has to cover not just 90 minutes, but the full 180 minutes over both matches, with only three days in between," Firat explained.
"We are aware of everything. The players have all the necessary information because we prepare for each match with detailed analysis."
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19:26 - 09.10.2024
Hope for Harambee Stars? Cameroon coach reveals major worry ahead of Kenya clash
Cameroon coach Marc Brys has admitted his side are under pressure to deliver to home fans which could play to Kenya’s advantage when the two sides clash in the AFCON 2025 qualifier.
While Firat is focused on securing qualification for the 2025 AFCON, he views these matches as a critical test of Kenya’s ability to compete at the highest level, particularly if they progress to the knockout stages of major tournaments in the future.
"These two matches against Cameroon will be a signal of what we can achieve. If we make it to AFCON and the knockout stages, it will show what we are capable of. The boys look good, and even though we only just had our first training together, I’m very hopeful," he concluded.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars head into this crucial double-header unbeaten in their last seven matches, and with the tactical preparation and belief instilled by Firat, they are aiming to maintain that momentum as they seek to secure their place at AFCON 2025.
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