A crunch clash in Group J of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations   qualifiers sees Kenya   welcome Cameroon   to the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Separated by three points heading into this one, both teams are still in with a shout to make it through to Morocco at the midway point of the qualifying round of matches.

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Cameroon put on arguably their best display since the turn of the year as they ran out emphatic 4-1 winners over Kenya in Friday’s meeting at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo.

Vincent Aboubakar, Martin Hongla and Bryan Mbeumo  all netted before half time to put , before Christian Bassogog  rounded off the scoring 10 minutes into the second period.

That was a second win in three AFCON qualifiers for the Indomitable Lions either side of a goalless share of the spoils against Zimbabwe to leave them top of the group after three games.

Cameroon are now unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, during which they have only been breached three times, while also finding the back of the net on a whopping 10 occasions.

A victory in Monday’s encounter would all but secure an AFCON berth for the visitors, but their away form has been a huge cause for concern, with just one triumph on enemy territory since 2022.

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Despite suffering a huge blow following the defeat to Cameroon, Kenya’s AFCON ambitions remain well and truly alive, as only a point currently separates them from Zimbabwe in second.

The 4-0 thrashing was the first time Engin Firat’s   men had conceded four or more goals in a game since 2021, when they were on the receiving end of a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Mali.

The Harambee Stars must now end their five-game winless run against Cameroon to firmly remain in charge of their qualification destiny heading into next month’s round of matches.

Having recorded a shutout in three of their most recent four home matches, Kenya will be looking to put on another solid defensive display to serve as a platform to build upon in the search for three points.

Team News

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Bryan Mbeumo got himself on the scoresheet for a fourth straight game for club and country, and the Brentford man is definitely one to keep an eye on for Cameroon.

Vincent Aboubakar is now just two strikes away from equalling Roger Milla’s  international tally of 43, which would move him into second place on the visitors’ all-time scoring charts.

Christopher Wooh asted just 19 minutes before coming off with an injury scare last time out, making the defender a major doubt to play any part in this one.

Michael Olunga wasted no time announcing his return to action for Kenya with a well-taken goal, and the 30-year-old will be keen to pick up where he left off.

Chrispine Erambo could be recalled to the hosts’ starting lineup after Richard Odada   hobbled off with an injury in the final knockings of the defeat to Cameroon.

Kenya possible starting lineup:
Matasi; Otieno, Owino, Anyembe, Nondi; Ouma, Erambo, Akumu; Abuya, Olunga, Onyango

Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Onana; Tchatchoua, Ngadeu, Castelletto, Tolo; Ndzie; Mbeumo, Hongla, Anguissa, Bassogog; Aboubakar

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com