Cameroon and Kenya are set to face off in an important Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash at the Japoma Stadium on Friday. Both teams remain unbeaten in their qualifying campaigns so far, making this matchup pivotal in their quest to secure a spot in Morocco for the 2025 tournament.
Match Preview
Cameroon enters the game after a goalless draw with Zimbabwe, a match in which they dominated possession but struggled to convert their chances. Rigobert Song’s side has been solid defensively, and with two wins and two draws in their recent qualifiers, they have shown resilience. Goalkeeper Andre Onana’s heroics helped preserve a clean sheet in their last match, but the Indomitable Lions will be looking to find their attacking rhythm in this game.
Kenya, on the other hand, managed a 2-1 victory over Namibia in their second qualifier. Engin Firat’s side has been in good form, with just one loss in their last nine matches. The Harambee Stars are building momentum and have kept five clean sheets this year, showing that they can hold their own defensively. However, they will need to be at their best to stop a talented Cameroon side on their home turf.
Team News
- Cameroon: Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is in excellent form, having scored in three consecutive games. He will likely play a key role in the attack, alongside captain Vincent Aboubakar, who is chasing Roger Milla’s second-place spot on Cameroon’s all-time goalscoring list. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will anchor the midfield, while Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe may have to wait for his international debut.
- Kenya: The return of captain Michael Olunga is a major boost for Kenya after he missed the first two qualifiers due to injury. Midfielder David Odeyo could make his debut, while Benson Omala’s exclusion has been the biggest surprise in Kenya’s squad selection. The Harambee Stars will look to their solid defense to keep Cameroon at bay.
Predicted Lineups
- Cameroon (4-3-3):
Onana; Nouhou, Wooh, Ngadeu, Tchatchoua; Baleba, Anguissa, Hongla; Bassogog, Aboubakar, Mbeumo - Kenya (4-3-3):
Omondi; Owino, Okumu, Nondi, Omurwa; Abuya, Odada, Akumu; Avire, Olunga, Ayunga
Prediction
Both teams are in decent form and will be confident going into the match. However, Cameroon’s experience and quality in attack, particularly with in-form players like Mbeumo and Aboubakar, give them the edge. Kenya’s defensive solidity may keep the game competitive, but Cameroon is expected to prevail.
Predicted score: Cameroon 2-1 Kenya.
