Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga Urges Kenyans to Stay Positive Ahead of Crucial Cameroon Clash
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga is calling on Kenyans to maintain a positive outlook as the national team faces Cameroon in a pivotal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. With the showdown set for Friday at the Japoma Stadium, Olunga is rallying supporters to stand by the team.
The Al Duhail SC striker emphasized that negative criticism only brings down the team’s morale, urging fans to show unwavering support. He assured Kenyans that the squad will give their all in the upcoming back-to-back fixtures against the Indomitable Lions. Kenya will host the return leg at Uganda’s Namboole Stadium on October 14, a match expected to be an intense encounter.
“The most important thing is to foster unity within the team as we approach these crucial fixtures against Cameroon. We also urge Kenyans to support us because, after our first game against Zimbabwe, there was a lot of negative talk,” Olunga told Flashcore.
Currently, Kenya leads Group J by goal difference, having collected four points from two matches. However, the Cameroon fixtures will be a true test for head coach Engin Firat’s team. Reflecting on Kenya’s 2-1 win against Namibia, Olunga noted that it shifted public perception and called for patience as the team fights for a spot in the 2025 AFCON.
“Surprisingly, after we achieved a positive result against Namibia, people started believing in us again. It’s a two-legged tie against Cameroon, and we need the support of Kenyans. They need to be patient and understand that in high-stakes matches like these, we have to go out and compete,” the former Girona FC striker emphasized.
Although Cameroon will have the home advantage and enter the match as favorites, Olunga, who previously played for Kashiwa Reysol, believes Kenya has what it takes to pull off a positive result in this crucial encounter.
The towering forward, who is set to return to the starting lineup after missing last month’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe due to injury, said: “We want to show Kenyans the hard work that has been put in over the last year. I promise that as a team, we will give 100 percent effort and aim for positive results against Cameroon.”
