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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga wants Kenyans to be positive as the team tackles Cameroon in a crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has called on supporters to rally behind the team ahead of the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier clash against Cameroon at the Japoma Stadium on Friday.
The Al Duhail SC striker said criticising the team brings negative energy that normally demoralises the entire squad, arguing that the Stars will leave their hearts on the field in the back-to-back fixtures. Kenya will entertain the Indomitable Lions at the Namboole Stadium in Uganda on October 14, where fireworks will be expected.
"The most important thing is to just try and bring unity in the team so that as we approach the Cameroon fixtures, which are very crucial, we also urge the support from Kenyans because after the first game against Zimbabwe there was a lot of negative talk.” Olunga told Flashcore.
Kenya tops Group J by superior goal difference after accumulating four points from two matches but the Cameroon showdown will be a litmus test for the Engin Firat's charges. Olunga said Stars' 2-1 win against Namibia changed perception, calling for patience as the battle for 2025 AFCON slots enters a critical stage.
“Surprisingly after we went and got something positive against Namibia everybody started believing, it is a two-legged fixture (against Cameroon) and we need the support from Kenyans, they need to be patient with the team, they need to realise that of course these kind of high calibre fixtures we need to go out there and compete," the former Girona striker maintained.
Despite Cameroon boasting the home advantage and heading into the match as favourites, Olunga, who previously plied his trade with Kashiwa Reysol, reiterated that Kenya has what it takes to get a result in the titanic battle.
The lanky forward, who is expected back into the starting line-up after missing last month's goalless draw with Zimbabwe due to injury, said: "We need to show Kenyans the hard work that the team has been building for the last one year, and I want to promise that as the playing unit, we are going to give 100 percent and get positive results against Cameroon.”
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