Harambee Stars fired up for Cameroon showdown in Yaoundé

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is beaming with confidence that they can overpower Cameroon in Friday's 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Yaoundé.

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

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

Olunga is delighted to return to the squad after missing two previous matches against Namibia and Zimbabwe due to injury.

“It feels good to be back to represent our country once again and of course each and every time when the call up comes it’s the joy of every player to want to be in the team to help.

"But I have not been available because of an injury in the last two fixtures and I am now back which is positive. Gladly now the progress is there and it is good for us,” Olunga said.

Olunga knows his return and that of defender Daniel Anyembe who missed in the last outings comes with expectations not only from the fans but also the coach.

“Well every coach will want to have his best players and it’s good to see that most of our key players have recovered and available for selection. But all our players in the squad are capable of any assignment should they be given the assignment by the coach,” added Olunga.

Olunga’s sentiments have been echoed by coach Firat, who has exuded confidence of collecting significant points from the two fixtures.

“We know how hard it will be against Cameroon and we must be ready for big teams like them. We are on a level that I think only the details will decide. I also don’t think it will be easy for Cameroon even if they have no missing players. This time I’m happy that I have only a few players missing contrary to our previous matches when the list was long,” Firat said.

Ayub Timbe, Austin Odhiambo and Masoud Juma are some of the players missing, but the coach has majority of his preferred squad to choose from.

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

Kenya are leading Group J with four points thanks to their superior goal difference to second placed Cameroon while Zimbabwe comes third on two points and Namibia still in search of points.