Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is confident that Kenya can overpower Cameroon in their upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, scheduled for Friday in Yaoundé.
The team had a chance to familiarize themselves with the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium pitch on Thursday evening ahead of their match against the hosts. The Engin Firat-coached side has a lot to prove against the five-time AFCON champions at 7 PM, followed by the return fixture on Monday in Kampala, Uganda.
Olunga, who missed the previous matches against Namibia and Zimbabwe due to injury, is thrilled to be back in the squad.
“It feels good to be back to represent our country once again. Every time the call-up comes, it’s a joy for every player to be part of the team and contribute. I’ve missed the last two fixtures due to injury, but now I’m back, and that’s positive for us. I’m glad to see the progress,” Olunga said.
He understands that his return, along with that of defender Daniel Anyembe, who also missed the last games, comes with high expectations—not only from fans but also from the coach.
“Every coach wants to have their best players available, and it’s good to see that most of our key players have recovered and are ready for selection. However, all the players in the squad are capable of handling any task if given the assignment by the coach,” Olunga added.
Coach Engin Firat echoed Olunga’s optimism, expressing confidence in securing valuable points from the two fixtures.
“We know it will be tough against Cameroon, and we must be prepared to face strong teams like them. We are at a level where the small details will make a big difference. I don’t think it will be easy for Cameroon, even though they have no major injuries. I’m pleased that this time, only a few players are missing, compared to previous matches when the list was longer,” Firat said.
Missing from the squad are Ayub Timbe, Austin Odhiambo, and Masoud Juma, but Firat still has most of his preferred players available.
The last time the two teams met was 14 years ago in a friendly match, where Cameroon beat Kenya 3-1 in January 2010.
Kenya currently leads Group J with four points, thanks to their superior goal difference over second-placed Cameroon. Zimbabwe is in third place with two points, while Namibia is yet to register any points.
