Substitute Boris Enow Takang came off the bench to score the all-important goal as Cameroon completed a double over Kenya with a 1-0 triumph in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday afternoon at Uganda’s Mandela Stadium in Namboole.The win took Cameroon’s points tally to ten meaning they have qualified for next year’s AFCON in Morocco. Zimbabwe are second in Group J with five points, they have a match against Namibia later this evening. Namibia, bottom in the group have no single point.Kenya sought redemption after a 4-1 drubbing by Cameroon the previous Friday in Yaounde and were eager to prevent another humiliating defeat at their temporary home ground in Uganda.##NAJAVA_MECA_8410548##Cameroon opted for a more cautious approach in the opening minutes of the match, a stark contrast to their aggressive start on Friday. Kenya, however, registered the first shot on target in the 6th minute, with captain Michael Olunga testing goalkeeper Andre Onana from range after a neat setup by Duke Abuya. Nine minutes later, Bryne Omondi made an important clearance with his legs, denying Vincent Aboubakar’s low shot, which seemed destined for the net, keeping Kenya in the game.In the 22nd minute, Kenya had another chance when Olunga dispossessed a Cameroon defender and charged toward goal. However, after taking his time, he opted to square the ball to Abuya, who then passed it to Eric Ouma, but the Cameroonian defence did well to block the left-back’s shot.At the half-hour mark, Olunga’s header from an Ouma corner was comfortably collected by Onana. Moments later, Omondi made a brilliant save, diving to his left to prevent Cameroon from opening the scoring. In the 35th minute, Cameroon squandered their best opportunity of the half when a mix-up between Vincent Aboubakar and Malong Pierre saw Pierre shoot wide from inside the penalty area.Ismael Dunga reveals reason behind impressive start in IndonesiaThree minutes before halftime, Michael Ngadeu thought he had given Cameroon the lead after finishing off a free-kick delivery, but the offside flag came to Kenya’s rescue. The first half ended in a goalless draw.Just before the second half, Kenya’s coach Engin Firat made a tactical change, substituting Daniel Anyembe for Alphonce Omija at right-back.Seven minutes into the half, Omondi produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Aboubakar. On the counter, Ronney Onyango struck the post, and Olunga’s follow-up went wide—Kenya’s best chance so far.However, a series of quick fouls led to Kenya conceding a dangerous free kick, and substitute Boris Enow Takang made them pay by curling the ball into the net in the 63rd minute, beating the impressive Omondi. Moments later, Johnstone Omurwa scrambled to clear for a corner as Cameroon’s attackers threatened a second goal.In response to falling behind, Firat made two substitutions, bringing on Timothy Ouma and Amos Nondi for John Avire and Duke Abuya.Firat speaks on Matasi’s errors against CameroonCameroon now took full charge of the club passing the ball around and frustrated Kenya ended up conceding many fouls breaking the tempo. Kenya had a last chance late on but Ouma’s teasing cross went wide.Kenya will play its final two group games in November. They’ll first take on Zimbabwe away before hosting Namibia in Uganda.Harambee Stars lineupStarting XI: Byrne Omondi, Daniel Anyembe, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Eric Ouma, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Duke Abuya, Ronney Onyango, John Avire, Michael Olunga,Subs: Patrick Matasi, Ian Otieno, Alphonce Omija, Amos Nondi, Collins Sichenje, Geoffrey Ochieng, Sylvester Owino, John Ochieng, Chrispine Erambo, Timothy Ouma, Jonah Ayunga, Adam Wilson, Alfred ScrivenCameroon lineup:Starting XI: André Onana; Jackson Tchatchoua, Michael Ngadeu, Kunde Malong Pierre, Jean-Charles Castelletto, Nouhou Tolo; Bryan Mbeumo, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Martin Hongla, Christian Bassogog, Vincent Aboubakar.Subs: Simon Omossola, Carlos Baleba, Simon Ngapandouetnbu, Collins Fai, Martin Beautrel, Atemengue Ndzie, Patrik Soko, Frank Magri, Guy-Mercilin Kilama, Flavien Boyomo, Enow Boris, James Willy Ndjeungoue.
