Harambee Stars on alert: Key Cameroon players to watch

Kenya will face Cameroon in back-to-back matches for Group J’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with both teams aiming to secure a place in next year’s tournament in Morocco.

The Harambee Stars will be the visitors in the first leg on Friday, October 11, at the 50,000-capacity Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.

The second leg is set for Monday, October 14, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium (Namboole) in Uganda, due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in Kenya.

These two matches will be critical in determining whether the Harambee Stars can qualify for next year’s AFCON.

Kenya currently sits atop Group J with four points, the same as their upcoming opponents, while Zimbabwe is third with two points and Namibia is last with no points.

The Indomitable Lions boasts several top players from leagues around the world, and the Harambee Stars will need to contain these key players to keep their qualification hopes alive. Mozzart Sport takes a look at some players who pose a threat to Kenya.

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Vincent Aboubakar

The experienced Aboubakar is a major threat to Harambee Stars.

As Indomitable Lions’ main striker, Aboubakar has proven time and again that he can score goals when needed.

The 32-year-old currently plays for Turkish Super Lig club Hatayspor and will be expected to lead Cameroon’s attack.

Aboubakar helped Cameroon win the 2017 AFCON on home soil, scoring the second goal in their 2-1 final victory over Egypt.

He has also represented his country in three World Cups and is the team’s captain. Over his career, Aboubakar has played for clubs including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Besiktas (on three occasions), and FC Porto.

Harambee Stars will need to find a way to contain Aboubakar to achieve a positive result.

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Andre Onana

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is another player who could thwart Harambee Stars’ hopes of winning.

Onana is widely considered the best goalkeeper in Africa and has gained extensive experience playing for top European clubs and in elite competitions, including the UEFA Champions League final.

The 28-year-old has been impressive for United this season and was recently voted the club’s player of the month despite their poor start in the English Premier League.

Onana’s command of the penalty area and his exceptional reflexes are key factors that Harambee Stars must overcome to score.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

Napoli midfielder Zambo Anguissa will be crucial in controlling the midfield for Cameroon.

Known for his energy, composure, and experience, Anguissa often operates as a box-to-box midfielder and plays a pivotal role in dictating the pace of the game.

Whoever coach Engin Firat fields in Kenya’s midfield will need to outplay Anguissa to give Harambee Stars a chance of victory.

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford winger Mbeumo is arguably the most in-form Cameroon player at club level.

He has had a strong start to the season, scoring six goals in seven English Premier League matches, including one in their recent 5-3 win over Wolverhampton.

The 25-year-old, who was born in France and played for its youth teams, will be a significant threat to Kenya, particularly on the right wing where he will face off against Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.

Mbeumo’s strength, pace, and goal-scoring ability will be a challenge for Kenya’s defence.

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Christopher Wooh

Central defender Christopher Wooh, who plays for French club Rennes, has established himself as a key player in the heart of defence.

Despite being only 23 years old, Wooh has gained valuable experience and is tasked with organizing the backline and protecting the goalkeeper.

Kenya’s forwards will need to get past Wooh, who is known for his height, defensive command, and ability to read the game, to find the back of the net.