By Tony Kipkorir
Harambee Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament took a substantial beating on Friday night after they were hammered 4-1 by Cameroon at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.
Kenya’s problems started inside just eight minutes following the referee’s decision to award Cameroon a contentious penalty when Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
Veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar stepped up and slotted the penalty past Harambee Stars shot stopper Patrick Matasi, sending the sizeable crowd in Yaounde into a frenzy.
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After the goal, Harambee Stars tried to get back into the game but the hosts did not make it easy for them as they grew even more confident with Frank Anguissa bossing proceedings in the middle of the park.
The pressure from the Indomitable Lions’ eventually paid off in the 39th minute after Anguissa dribbled past a couple of Kenyan players before setting up Martin Hongla who fired a shot from outside the box that Matasi failed to deal with.
Two minutes later, Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga pulled one goal back after heading in an inch perfect delivery from Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma’s inswinging free kick at the back post.
However, it only took two minutes before on form Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo found the back of the net to ensure Cameroon got into the break with a 3-1 lead.
At the start of the second half, Engin Firat brought Joseph Okumu in place of Amos Nondi, who had a torrid first half, in a bid to solidify his backline.
Despite the introduction of Okumu, Harambee Stars’ defence continued to leak as Christian Bassogog finished off a sweeping move that started with Teddy Akumu being robbed off possession in the middle of the park.
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Firat made two more substitutions in the 65th and 78th minutes, introducing John Avire and Alfred Scriven in place of Timothy Ouma and Duke Abuya respectively, but the duo could not change the score line.
The humiliating defeat, the first for the national team after a draw and a win in the opening two games, ensured Kenya dropped to position three in the Group J standings with four points from three matches.
On the other hand, Cameroon replaced Zimbabwe at the top of the log with seven points from a similar number of matches. Zimbabwe have amassed five points so far.
Only top two nations from each group are expected to book a ticket to the 2025 AFCON tournament set to be held in Morocco.
Harambee Stars starting XI
Patrick Matasi (GK), Amos Nondi, Eric Ouma, Sylvester Owino, Daniel Anyembe, Anthony Akumu, Ronney Onyango, Richard Odada, Michael Olunga, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya
ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent
Tujiamini is an initiative that seeks to provide a platform, including up to 30M shillings in funding, for individual, team sports and various talent, in a year-long campaign that will go around the country in a move aimed at evoking the sense of pride in Kenya’s sports and talent ecosystem.
Applicants are urged to submit their applications through www.tujiamini.co.ke