Kenyans flooded social media with their reactions following Harambee Stars' 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match. The loss sparked a wave of passionate discussions and debates as fans expressed their disappointment and analyzed the team's performance at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The match played behind closed doors on Monday afternoon saw the Indomitable Lions secure their place in the tournament finals after a lone goal by substitute Enow Boris.

Boris, who entered the game in the second half, scored in the 63rd minute with a long-range free kick that went past Harambee Stars' goalkeeper Bryne Omondi. Omondi dived to the right but was unable to keep the ball out.

The result marked Cameroon’s second victory over Kenya in just four days, following their 4-1 triumph in Yaoundé on Friday. With this win, Cameroon secured their spot in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, joining hosts Morocco and Burkina Faso.

The Indomitable Lions are now at the top of Group J with 10 points. With two matches remaining, they are guaranteed to finish in the top two, securing their qualification automatically.

After losing the AFCON 2025 qualifier match, Harambee Stars coach Firat remained hopeful: "We had set the target to qualify, and the target is still there. We will fight to win our remaining two matches and wait to see what happens in the other games. It’s a tough situation, but I know my players are fighters, and with the fans' support, we will try to achieve the ticket."Firat told Flashscore.

However, Oyugi, who guided Gor Mahia to the Kenyan Premier League title in 1993, did not hold back in his criticism of Firat’s tactics. “Kenyans lost both matches due to poor tactics. Cameroon applied a flexible system of a 5-3-2 formation, playing with wide-wing attacks, and they took over and dominated the midfield. But for Firat, he did not have any game plan, hence Harambee Stars midfield exposing their defense, including their goalkeeper, leading to the goals the team conceded,” said Oyugi during an interview with Flashscore.

Oyugi, known for his tactical insights, explained that the difference in preparation between the two coaches was evident throughout both encounters.He also called for a reevaluation of player selection and tactical preparation, suggesting that Firat must focus on form, talent, and hard work going forward.

Following the team's loss, Kenyans voiced their frustrations, concerns, and insights on social media, sparking widespread debates on platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

"It will take 25+ years for Harambee Stars to win African trophies. No way a whole national team is represented by two tribes. We've more talents in the grassroots, and when well trained, they can win many trophies," wrote Ramstam Rama on X.

"Seems like if your name doesn’t have an A or an O, you can’t fit in the team."

Others echoed concerns about the team's overall quality. @marknyaga1 on X pointed out the lack of attacking edge, saying, "We don't have the quality going forward. Firat alisema hii kitu, and it's very true."

Another user, @TheeRoadMaster, emphasized Kenya’s missed opportunities during the game, particularly in the second half: "I have counted 5 chances during the 2nd half. We are nowhere clinical with our finishing. Huyu ni Onana bana, anatobokanga. Anyway, we need to be at our very best for the coming ties to qualify."

On Facebook, fans were equally vocal, with Timothy Wambua Munyao criticizing the team’s top striker: "I said here that Olunga is not an aggressive kind of a striker...he is always so slow in making his decision!!! I think it's high time he steps out for fresh boys."

Raze Spoken, another fan, aimed for the team’s selection, saying, "Harambee Stars is wasting some of the good players like Marcelo. Don’t mix good players with those that just want to be famous."

Kenya has a challenging task with only two matches left. They will travel to Zimbabwe on November 11th and then wrap up their campaign against Namibia on November 19th.

For Mila Pulse Sport,

Dan.