Harambee Stars capable of stopping Cameroon at home, says Ouma

Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy ‘Babu’ Ouma is beaming with confidence that they can overpower Cameroon in Friday's 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Yaoundé.

Babu who features for  Elfsborg in the Swedish top league believes the proper preparations they have had so far will propel them to a victory, as they eye to qualify for next year's fiesta in Morocco.

“As a team we are well prepared and we are looking forward for the game, I’m sure that Cameroon will fall. We have to win the home matches and some away fixtures to qualify, and I believe we can easily achieve it if we maintain the focus,” he said.

Babu has however acknowledged the competition for his position in the national team, despite his impressive performances at club level.

 “It’s good to be back in the national team after missing out in the last round. There is quite some competition in the team which is a good thing for the country and the coach. It is good for us (players) too, because it calls for hard work," he said.

Babu, a former Nairobi City Stars player is having a season to remember at Swedish club Elfsborg, delivering outstanding performances not only in the local league but also in the UEFA Europa League.

Most recently, he played a full 90 minutes in their win against Italian side AS Roma.

His sentiments were echoed by winger Adam Wilson who turns out for Welsh club The New Saints FC.

“It will be a good battle. It will come down to who wants it more and I feel like the team wants it. It is about the heart and desire to win and hopefully get the three points and eventually six points,” noted Wilson.

The team had a feel of the pitch Thursday evening where they will play the hosts at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.

The Engin Firat-coached side have to scores to settle with the five-time AFCON Champions at 7:00pm EAT before the return match on Monday in Kampala, Uganda.

The two sides last clashed 14 years ago in a friendly match where the Indomitable Lions beat Stars 3-1 in January 2010.

Kenya and Cameroon, both on four points, will be vying for the top spot in Group J with a win after Zimbabwe surged to the summit with the 1-0 win over Namibia on Thursday.