Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat endured a difficult evening in Yaoundé, Cameroon, after a heated exchange with local journalists following Kenya’s heavy 4-1 loss to the Indomitable Lions.Cameroon’s goals came from Vincent Aboubakar, Martin Hongla, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Bassogog, with Kenya’s lone consolation from captain Michael Olunga.The tension escalated during the post-match press conference, where journalists confronted Firat with tough questions.##NAJAVA_MECA_8406375##The conflict began when one journalist described Cameroon as a “slaughterhouse,” a term that irritated Firat.”I don’t think ‘slaughterhouse’ is the right word to use in football. Everyone who comes here knows Cameroon is a strong football nation, and they expect pressure. That’s normal,” Firat responded.The situation worsened when another reporter asked if Firat had “swallowed” his pre-match confidence after such a heavy loss.”If you’re in football and don’t trust yourself, you shouldn’t be playing football—go to PlayStation instead. Sometimes the opponent is better, and that’s the reality of football,” Firat said. “We’ve played teams like Russia, Qatar, and Ivory Coast, and none was like this.”Harambee Stars head coach admits boisterous Cameroon fans played part in defeatVisibly frustrated, Firat questioned the absence of Kenyan journalists in the room.”It’s so crowded here. Is there anyone from Kenya? Any Kenyan journalist?” he asked.Engin Firat preparing to blame Kenyan Journalists for Harambee Stars Loss against Cameroon pic.twitter.com/wRzHcO1kqF— Luhya_Dollar (@Dollar__SM) October 11, 2024 Receiving no response, Firat added, “This is the difference between a football country and one that isn’t.”The tension peaked when Firat was questioned about Kenya’s decision to play the return leg behind closed doors.”I’m the national team coach, not the federation president,” Firat responded, before elaborating. “The decision is similar to what happened with your match against Zimbabwe. Onana brings logistical and security issues. And back to my earlier point—why should we open the stadium for you to fill it, when there are no Kenyan journalists here?”Engin Firat”In Kenya, the problem is you always think you are the world champion, you underestimate everybody around you”#FootballKE#AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/3t8exhzCUC— Dishon Onditi (@dishon_onditi) October 12, 2024 When a journalist suggested that Firat’s remark was disrespectful, the coach pushed back.”What does that have to do with respect? Why are you talking about fairness? You can’t answer my questions, but you want me to answer yours?”Kenyans react to Harambee Stars heavy defeat against CameroonThe final straw came when Firat was asked whether Patrick Matasi would play in the return leg. His curt reply: “Next question.”As the next journalist began asking a question in French, Firat abruptly ended the session, saying, “Thank you,” before walking out.
