As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers continue, Cameroon’s national team is set to face Kenya’s Harambee Stars in a crucial double-header in October. Manchester United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana headlines the list of stars called up by Cameroon coach Marc Brys. Both teams are vying for top spots in Group J, making these qualifiers pivotal for their respective campaigns.
Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo Lead Cameroon’s Provisional Squad
Cameroon’s squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers is packed with talent, with Manchester United’s Andre Onana and Brentford’s forward Bryan Mbeumo leading the 33-man provisional roster. This selection highlights the significance of the fixtures, as Cameroon looks to assert their dominance in Group J. The first match is scheduled for October 11 at the Japoma Sports Complex in Douala, with the return leg set to take place on October 14, tentatively in Uganda, as Kenya’s home ground undergoes renovations.
The inclusion of Andre Onana, who recently returned to international football after a brief retirement, is seen as a major boost for Cameroon. Onana’s performances for Manchester United have kept him in the spotlight, and his experience will be crucial in leading Cameroon’s defense against a hungry Kenyan side.
Alongside Onana, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford is another key player expected to make a significant impact. Mbeumo has been in fine form for his Premier League club, and his attacking prowess will add firepower to Cameroon’s frontline. Mbeumo’s versatility in attack makes him a dangerous player for Kenya to watch out for in both legs of the qualifier.
Cameroon’s Squad Mixes Experience with New Talent
Marc Brys has put together a well-balanced squad that includes both experienced players and fresh faces. Seasoned professionals such as Vincent Aboubakar and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa will provide leadership, while young talents like Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Eric Dina Ebimbe will be eager to impress after receiving their first call-ups.
Aboubakar, a proven goal scorer and captain of the Indomitable Lions, will be expected to lead from the front. His leadership and ability to perform in high-stakes games will be essential as Cameroon looks to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
In the midfield, Napoli’s André-Frank Zambo Anguissa is a key figure, providing stability and creativity. His ability to break up opposition play while also driving Cameroon forward will be crucial, particularly in breaking down Kenya’s defensive setup.
However, the squad is not without its challenges. Notable absences, such as Jean-Charles Castelletto, who has returned to action for FC Nantes but was left out due to injury concerns, open the door for younger players to step up. This creates an opportunity for less established players to shine and stake their claim for future call-ups.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars: A Challenging Opponent
While Cameroon’s squad is filled with high-profile names, they cannot afford to underestimate Kenya’s Harambee Stars. The Kenyan team, led by Turkish coach Engin Firat, is looking to build momentum in their AFCON campaign. Kenya’s squad, featuring key players such as captain Michael Olunga and midfielder Richard Odada, has been bolstered by the return of several important players from injury.
Kenya will likely adopt a disciplined defensive approach against Cameroon, with the aim of frustrating their opponents and hitting on the counter-attack. Olunga, known for his physical presence and goal-scoring ability, will be the focal point of Kenya’s attack, and his performance will be critical to Kenya’s chances of causing an upset.
Midfielder Richard Odada, currently on the radar of Premier League club Brentford, will play a key role in the midfield battle against Cameroon. His ability to control the tempo of the game and break up Cameroon’s play could be crucial in limiting the influence of players like Zambo Anguissa.
Samuel Eto’o’s Absence Amid FIFA Suspension
The build-up to the Cameroon-Kenya clash has been overshadowed by the six-month suspension handed to Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), by FIFA. Eto’o’s absence from the Cameroon setup has caused a stir, with many fans and pundits questioning how this will impact the national team during such a crucial period.
Football enthusiast Armel Ngounou commented on Eto’o’s absence, expressing concerns about the timing and the unusual manner in which the squad announcement was made on the popular CRTV sports program Fou Fou Foot. “It’s a real curiosity in my opinion. He wasn’t at the stadium for the final. And we call him live so that he can announce his list. It’s his choice. But, we would gain from doing things differently,” Ngounou stated.
Eto’o’s influence within Cameroonian football is undeniable, and his suspension comes at a time when stability is needed in the national team setup. While his absence may create some turbulence, the focus remains on the players and their ability to deliver results on the pitch.
Cameroon’s Key Players to Watch
Apart from Onana and Mbeumo, several other players in the Cameroon squad will be key to their chances of overcoming Kenya. Defender Christopher Wooh, midfielder Pierre Kunde, and forward Vincent Aboubakar are all expected to play pivotal roles.
Defensively, Wooh will be tasked with keeping Kenya’s attack at bay, while Kunde’s midfield presence will help Cameroon control the game. Up front, Aboubakar’s experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial in unlocking Kenya’s defense, especially in the first leg in Douala.
Cameroon’s attacking options are further bolstered by the inclusion of Christian Bassogog and Moumi Ngamaleu, both of whom provide pace and creativity on the wings.
High Stakes for Both Teams in AFCON 2025 Qualifiers
The upcoming AFCON qualifiers between Cameroon and Kenya promise to be high-stakes encounters, with both teams vying for crucial points to maintain their momentum in Group J. Cameroon, with the return of key players like Onana and Mbeumo, will be confident of securing positive results. However, Kenya’s Harambee Stars, under the guidance of coach Engin Firat, will be determined to pull off a surprise and keep their qualification hopes alive.
As both teams prepare for these pivotal fixtures, fans can expect intense battles, especially with the added pressure of the ongoing drama surrounding Samuel Eto’o’s suspension. Ultimately, the outcome of these matches will significantly shape the future of both teams in their quest for a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
