The games turning point came in the 60th minute when substitute Boris Enow expertly curled a freekick into the net.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have secured their spot in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with two games remaining following a 1 – 0 victory over Harambee Stars at the Mandela National Stadium, Kampala Uganda. This was the return leg after they managed to beat Kenya 4 – 1 earlier on in Cameroon.
Under pressure from last week’s defeat, Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat opted to make crucial changes in the squad with Bryne Omondi starting in the goal post replacing the error-prone Patrick Matasi. Defender Johnstone Omurwa and forward John Avire also returned to the first eleven after being dropped the previous match.
Harambee Stars started the match well, asserting their dominance early on the match – quite a shift from their performance in Cameroon last weekend. Captain Michael Olunga tested the waters in the early minutes, unleashing a brilliant strike but Manchester United keeper Andre Onana who was up to task, made a crucial save.
Kenya were nearly reduced to 10-men in the 30th minute when Yanga SC midfielder Duke Abuya high tackled Zambo Anguissa but was lucky as the referee opted to only book him. Despite their control of the game, Engin Firat’s boys struggled to find the back of the net.
Just before half time, Cameroon appeared to break the deadlock with a goal from Nouhou Tolo but it was ruled offside leaving both teams goalless at halftime.
The second half saw both teams return with renewed energy with the match evenly contested. The Indomitable Lions nearly took the lead when Ngadeu Michael skillfully navigated the Kenyan defense but Bryne Omondi was up to the challenge. Harambee Stars quickly responded with Rooney Onyango’s shot hitting the crossbar.
The games turning point came in the 60th minute when substitute Boris Enow expertly curled a freekick into the net. Despite several attempts from Harambee Stars to equalize, Onana and the Cameroonian defense stood firm to secure the victory.
With this win, Cameroon tops the group with ten points, ensuring their qualification for the AFCON 2025. Zimbabwe are second with eight points after beating Namibia 2 – 0 and Kenya must now win their remaining matches while relying on Zimbabwe to lose theirs to have any hope of qualifying.