Situma Reveals How Harambee Stars Can Exploit Cameroon's Woes and Win Forthcoming AFCON Qualifiers
Former Harambee Stars defender James Situma outlines how Kenya can exploit Cameroon's internal conflicts and declining form to secure crucial points in their 2025 AFCON qualifiers, emphasizing the importance of captain Michael Olunga's return.
Image Credits: TONY KARUMBA/AFP via Getty Images
Former Harambee Stars right back James Situma has detailed how, the never-unending, supremacy battles between the Cameroonian government and the Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto'o could benefit Kenya in the forthcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double.
Stars will travel to face the five-time African champions on Friday, 11 October before hosting them for the return match three days later at the Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.
On paper, Cameroon remains the pre-match favourites going by the quality of players and experience in their team and the fact that they will enjoy home advantage in the first leg.
However, Situma is not entirely inclined to the thought of the Indomitable Lions making light work of Stars and taking full control of Group J of the qualifiers.
The former defender holds the belief that Stars will fully capitalize on the incessant off-the-pitch issues bedeviling their opponents and decline in form to gather more points.
FRICTION BETWEEN ETO'O AND GOVERNMENT GOOD FOR STARS
The Cameroonian government and Eto'o have always brought their differences to the public from the time the former striker assumed office in 2021.
The friction, triggered by several factors, among them the control of the team, have significantly contributed to the decline of what was once a dreaded team in the continent.
Cameroon has three wins in their last ten competitive matches, a run of results which heavily contrasts the form of yesteryears.
Last month, five key players found themselves at the centre of power struggles between the government and FECAFOOT as they were blocked at the Douala Airport and subsequently directed to a different hotel than originally planned with the federation.
This is not an isolated case and Situma believes that the longstanding dispute between the government and the federation will give Kenya a slight edge in the forthcoming matches.
The former Sofapaka captain highlighted how the differences will make the working environment less conducive for the players to the advantage of Stars.
The constant conflicts between Eto'o and the government have somehow destabilized the team. It is always difficult for players to get positive results when operating in an environment that is not conducive. If we capitalize on their internal issues, we will get something from the two matches
James Situma
STARS CAN UPSET CAMEROON
The last time the two sides met, Cameroon rallied from a goal down to edge Stars 3-1 in a friendly match staged at Kasarani Stadium.
Situma, who captained the team back then and scored the lone goal for Kenya says the team has made significant strides in bridging the gap between them and the former African champions.
He adds that the elite friendly matches the team has played from the time Firat came in have prepared the players, especially the local-based ones for big assignments.
"Generations have changed and the gap between the two teams is minimal unlike in the past. We have what it takes to match them and get results. The big friendlies we have played before have certainly prepared our players for such kinds of matches," said the former Kakamega Homeboyz man.
It is no longer a secret that Eto'o enjoys a good relationship with the players. We know his influence in the team and his absence may end up affecting him in one way or the other which is good for us.
James Situma
STARS CAN UPSET CAMEROON
The last time the two sides met, Cameroon rallied from a goal down to edge Stars 3-1 in a friendly match staged at Kasarani Stadium.
Situma, who captained the team back then and scored the lone goal for Kenya says the team has made significant strides in bridging the gap between them and the former African champions.
He adds that the elite friendly matches the team has played from the time Firat came in have prepared the players, especially the local-based ones for big assignments.
"Generations have changed and the gap between the two teams is minimal unlike in the past. We have what it takes to match them and get results. The big friendlies we have played before have certainly prepared our players for such kinds of matches," said the former Kakamega Homeboyz man.
SITUMA TIPS OLUNGA TO BANG GOALS
With skipper Michael Olunga set to be available for the two clashes, Situma anticipated goals from the Al Duhail striker.
Olunga missed the first two rounds of qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to an injury picked while in action for the Qatari side.
Although his understudies; John Avire and Jonah Ayunga had a good outing against Namibia, Situma predicted that Firat will reserve a place for Olunga in the starting team.
“I am sure he will deliver in the two matches. As the captain, he comes back to the team with hopes of ensuring Kenya remains on top of the group. He has been a reliable scorer who loves big matches. The competition from his understudies will push him to give his best," added the current KEFWA President.
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