Kenya’s head coach, Engin Firat, has admitted that the national football team’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have all but vanished following two defeats to Cameroon in the group stage of the qualifiers. The consecutive losses have left Kenya in a precarious position, significantly damaging their hopes of making it to the prestigious tournament in Morocco.
The Harambee Stars were dealt a significant setback after losing both encounters to the Indomitable Lions.
In the first match, held at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon dominated with a commanding 4-1 victory.
Kenya’s fortunes did not improve in the second leg, played at the Stade Nelson Mandela in Uganda on October 14, where they narrowly lost 1-0, sealing a disappointing double defeat.
Before these crucial fixtures, Kenya sat at the top of Group J with four points, tied with Cameroon but ahead on goal difference.
However, after the losses, Kenya dropped to third place, remaining on four points, while Cameroon surged ahead with 10 points to claim the top spot.
Zimbabwe moved into second place with eight points following their own back-to-back victories over Namibia, who remain at the bottom of the group without a point.
In the aftermath of the defeats, Firat acknowledged that Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the tournament are now out of their control.
Despite this, he emphasized that the team would not give up on their remaining matches.
We will not give up; we understand the situation.
After Zimbabwe’s win against Namibia, it means it is not in our hands anymore, but for us, it doesn’t change our target to qualify.
We have to go for the remaining two matches, try to win, and hopefully get a good outcome,” Firat told SportsBoom.com.
Reflecting on Namibia’s underwhelming performance in the group, Firat noted: “In this group, everybody expected the results to be very similar.
Nobody expected Namibia to lose so many matches, especially after playing in the January AFCON.
They were a very good side, but now they are out of the group.
Therefore, we don’t want to give up, but we are not in the situation we wanted to be in from the start of the campaign.”
The coach urged fans to continue supporting the team, adding: “People should pray for us, and we will do our best to get the AFCON ticket.”
Firat also praised his team’s improved performance in the second leg against Cameroon, despite the narrow loss.
He criticized Cameroon for their defensive tactics and time-wasting, which he believed prevented Kenya from finding the back of the net.
“The first match was not what we expected, but the second match was much better.
In the first half, we controlled the game, and in the second half, we pushed for the result.
We had more than enough chances to score, but Cameroon popped up with a goal from a free-kick,” Firat explained.
He expressed frustration with the result, adding: “There is nothing we can do. Despite Cameroon scoring, we totally dominated the game.
It was surprising to see them defending so deep and resorting to time-wasting.
I am very sorry for the boys who gave everything in the game, but in football, the result is what counts, and we missed out on that today.”
Looking ahead to their remaining qualifiers, Firat defended his decision to make changes to the starting lineup, including the switch of goalkeepers from Patrick Matasi to Bryne Omondi.
He explained that the choices were necessary due to injuries and tactical considerations.
Lead striker Michael Olunga, who scored in the first-leg defeat, struggled to convert chances in the second match, including a one-on-one opportunity with Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Firat praised Olunga’s dedication to the team, saying: “He gives everything—that’s the reality.
I cannot complain about any player.
Every player gave their all. Michael is a perfect captain.
Even if he is in pain or not fully fit, he will give 100 percent for the team.
It was unlucky he didn’t score, but I am sure he will in the next game.”
Kenya will now turn their focus to their upcoming matches against Zimbabwe on November 11 and Namibia on November 19, as they aim to keep their slim AFCON qualification hopes alive.
