Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed his support for the Harambee Stars after their hard-fought 1-0 loss to Cameroon in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.

Harambee Stars had hosted Cameroon for the second leg action after going down 4-1 in Group J’s third matchday, which was held in Cameroon on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Murkomen lauds Harambee Stars

Despite the latest defeat, Murkomen has lauded the national team’s effort and resilience, stressing that the road to AFCON qualification remains open.

Murkomen, in a heartfelt message shared via his official X account shortly after the match, highlighted the positives from the performance and urged the team to keep their spirits high.

“To Harambee Stars , we may have fallen 1-0 to Cameroon today, but our AFCON journey is far from over. There are many positives we can take from this match for our next game. With 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, there’s still much to fight for. On to the next tie in November, unbowed. Great effort here, guys,” Murkomen stated.

To @Harambee_Stars, we may have fallen 1-0 to Cameroon today, but our AFCON journey is far from over. There are many positives we can take from this match for our next game. With 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, there’s still much to fight for. On to the next tie in November,… pic.twitter.com/h1CpNPM7df

— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) October 14, 2024

Kenya’s AFCON campaign currently stands at one win, one draw, and two losses, placing the team in a delicate position in the qualification table.

Kenya stays third in Group J with four points, with Cameroon leading the group with 10, while Zimbabwe, with a game in hand, is second with five points.

Kenya’s final group matches will be in November 2024, against Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Murkomen hopeful

Prior to the Harambee Stars’ Monday clash with Cameroon, Murkomen had expressed his confidence in the national team, stating that he was hopeful Kenya would qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Despite the earlier heavy defeat, the CS had said he had spoken with the team and urged them to focus on what lies ahead and not to look back on what transpired in Yaounde.

“Sisi tuko na imani na Harambee Stars yetu kwa sababu tunaamini wako na uwezo ya kupambana hadi wa qualify for Morocco. Sasa nimewaambia mchezo wa jana umepita wajitayarishe kwa mchezo ujao,” Murkomen told the press.