AFCON 2025: Poor Harambee Stars suffer Cameroon defeat in Yaounde

Rooney Onyango of Kenya (left) in action against Cameroon. [Courtesy, Cameroon Tribune]

Harambee Stars suffered their first defeat at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after losing 4-1 to Cameroon in a crucial Group J qualifying match played at Stade Omnisports in Yaounde on Friday evening.

The defeat saw Kenya 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.

Vincent Aboubakar gave the hosts the lead in the eighth minute after sending Patrick Matasi in goal for Kenya the wrong way when Senegalese referee Issa Sy pointed to the spot for a handball in the box.

A goalkeeping howler followed in the 39^th minute when Matasi shockingly saw a direct shot from Martin Hongla slip into the net to hand the hosts a 2-0 advantage.

Returning Harambee Stars captain Micahel Olunga rescued Matasi's blemishes with a quick fire response goal two minute later but it would not stop the Indomitable Lions from restoring their two goal advantage before the break.

Immediately after Olunga's goal, Christian Bassogog broke free from the left wing, outpacing Rooney Onyango before releasing a low cross across the box that found Matasi sleeping, a cross that Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo converted for a 3-1 lead.

In the final half, Firat introduced Joseph Okumu for Amos Nondi to try and prevent further damage but the hosts proved too strong after Hongla released a charging Bassogog who easily slotted the ball past a stationary Matasi for 4-1.

Kenya will host Cameroon in the return leg on Monday at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.