Bullish Harambee Stars coach says he is ready for Cameroon

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat (left) and his assistant William Muluya during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers Group J first leg match against Zimbabwe at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda on September 6 2024. [Courtesy, Standard]

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has dared the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon ahead of the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header.

On Tuesday, Kenya reignited hopes of qualifying for Afcon to be hosted in Morocco next year after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Namibia.

John Avire and Duke Abuya were the heroes for the Kenyan side, who leapfrogged Cameroon, the five-time African champions, following the Indomitable Lions’ goalless draw with Zimbabwe.

The crucial win saw Stars leap to the top of Group J with four points, one ahead of Cameroon, setting up a high-stakes double-header against the five-time African champions.

Kenya’s triumph over Namibia came after an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe last Friday, a performance that sparked intense criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Calls for Firat's dismissal were amplified, particularly on social media, with former players and coaches weighing in on the team’s lackluster showing.

The Turkish coach, however, responded to the pressure with a crucial win in Namibia, which not only silenced his critics but also restored the nation's faith in qualifying for their first AFCON tournament since 2019.

The match was played in South Africa's Orlando Stadium as Namibia just like Kenya don't have a CAF approved stadium.

Firat, undeterred by the upcoming challenge against Cameroon, struck a defiant tone in his pre-match remarks.

“Do you think we are easy? Cameroon should think about how to crack us. We are unbeaten this year. We have never won away against Namibia, and we have done it this week," Firat declared confidently.

"I'm not afraid of Cameroon. You saw how the boys played before against Ivory Coast, Russia, and Qatar. If we have the boys together, they are very united and believe in each other."

The Turkish tactician has had a challenging tenure at the helm of the Harambee Stars, often battling off-pitch obstacles, including the absence of support and financial issues.

Firat expressed frustration about the conditions under which his team is expected to perform, particularly the lack of payment for nearly a year.

“I am also not okay. If you don't pay the coach for nine months, even one dollar, then what do you want? I want people to stop criticising the team," he said. "I want all Kenyans to understand that the team is giving their all in very difficult conditions."

Despite the pressure, Firat remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances of making it through the group stages, especially if he can have a full squad available for Cameroon encounters.

“We lost many players during preparations for these games and before we started. Two centre forwards are missing," Firat admitted, emphasizing the toll injuries have taken on his squad.

However, he remains hopeful: "I believe if we have all our players back before we play Cameroon, we will be in a better place to win and make it closer to qualification.”

Firat also reflected on the team’s performance in the Namibia match, admitting that while the first half was far from satisfactory, the players responded well to his halftime pep talk.

“I was not happy with our tackles and challenges in the first half. I had a talk with the players, and I was happy with how we played in the final minutes,” Firat said.

The Harambee Stars coach acknowledged that Group J remains wide open, with Zimbabwe trailing on two points and Namibia yet to register a single point.

"Four points in two matches is good for us. Again, the group is still very open, and Namibia is not yet out. We need to win our next match against Cameroon," Firat added, underlining the importance of the upcoming fixtures.

Kenya’s next matches against Cameroon, scheduled for October, will be decisive in determining their path to Afcon 2025 finals.

Firat’s frustrations were not limited to the team’s internal issues, as he also lamented the lack of support from Kenyan fans.

“What makes me sad is that we have no support. Against Zimbabwe, I was told we would have 5,000 fans, but I could count how many were there,” Firat said, further highlighting the difficult circumstances under which his players have been forced to compete.

Amidst the ongoing plan on Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, Firat believes the team’s efforts are being overshadowed by politics.

“Now we have FKF elections, and everyone makes propaganda, even the ex-national team coach,” Firat said, alluding to distractions off the pitch.

As Kenya prepares to face the mighty Cameroon, Firat is rallying his players and supporters to come together for what could be a defining moment in their qualification campaign.

"The boys are unbeaten this year, they won a trophy out of the country for the first time," Firat concluded, emphasising the team's resilience and unity.

With four points from two matches, Kenya will now focus on maintaining their top position and edging closer to Afcon 2025 qualification, as they dare to challenge the formidable Indomitable Lions.