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Cabinet Secretary, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Kipchumba Murkomen believes Harambee Stars can turn around the lackluster performance against Cameroon when they clash again on Monday, October 14, 2024.

The team was out of depth at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde where they took a substantial beating of 4-1, giving them a setback in their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

While acknowledging that the 4-1 hammering was not the expected outcome of the game, Murkomen indicated that the boys were determined to grab the three points against the Indomitable Lions.

“Well done, lads! Great effort against a really tough opponent. We stand together, win or lose. What matters most is the determination you showed to try and get a result,” Murkomen’s statement released late on Friday night October 11, 2024 read in part.

His message

The defeat saw Harambee Stars drop to third in Group J with four points, three behind leaders Cameroon who have now amassed seven points after three matches.

Zimbabwe also leapfrogged Kenya into second place after they narrowly saw off Namibia 1-0. Zimbabwe have five points following two draws and a win.

Two teams which top the group will secure a ticket to the 2025 AFCON competition.

Despite the standings, Murkomen has encouraged the boys to keep their heads high ahead of the return leg with the indomitable Lions which will be played in Kampala Uganda.

The CS challenged Engin Firat charges to stick together and prepare for that return leg which will be crucial for their qualification campaign.

“Today wasn’t to be, but we look forward to the next one where we can achieve a positive outcome. Keep your heads up. No room for despair. We go again on Monday. Stronger together!” Murkomen told the Harambee Stars players.

How the match went

Harambee Stars troubles started in the eighth minute when the referee awarded Cameroon a penalty after it was adjudged that Eric Ouma ‘Marcelo’ had handled the ball in the area.

Cameroon skipper Vincent Aboubakar stepped forward and sent Patrick Matasi in the wrong direction, breaking the deadlock for the home team.

Indomitable Lions added their second goal of the match in the 39th minute after piling pressure on Kenya’s national team. Frank Anguissa dribbled past a few Harambee Stars players before setting up Martin Hongla who fired a shot outside the penalty area and Matasi failed to deal with.

Two minutes later, Harambee Stars skipper pulled one back by slotting in a nicely worked inswinger from Eric Marcelo.

However, Kenya’s celebrations were shortlived as Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo extended Cameroon’s lead by slotting in their third.

Despite Firat changing the backline and introducing new sets of players, Harambee Stars could not break down Cameroon as Teddy Akumu’s blunder in the middle of the park helped the home side grab their fourth goal through Christian Bassogog.