Kenya vs Cameroon AFCON qualifier in Uganda to be played behind closed doors

Earlier today, Coach Engin Firat named his provisional 28-man squad for two matches. The team will hit camp on Friday

Fans who were planning to travel to Uganda to watch the Harambee Stars face Cameroon in the 2025 AFCON qualification match on October 14th at Namboole Stadium may have to reconsider their plans as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced that the game will be played behind closed doors.

While the FKF did not provide specific reasons for this decision, Mozzart Sport understands that the federation opted for a closed-door match due to security and logistical challenges of hosting fans in Uganda, where Kenya will be hosting the five-time African champions.

Last month, Kenya played Zimbabwe at the same venue, allowing fans, including a significant number of Kenyans residing in Uganda or traveling for the game.

“The second match in Kampala will be played behind closed doors,” FKF confirmed in a statement.

Kenya will be hosting Cameroon in Uganda because no stadium in Kenya currently meets CAF and FIFA accreditation standards. The last competitive home game for Harambee Stars was a 2-1 victory over Rwanda in November 2021 at Nyayo National Stadium.

Before the return leg in Uganda, Kenya will first travel to Douala, Cameroon, to face the 2017 AFCON champions at Japoma Stadium on October 11th.

Kenya currently leads Group J with four points after two matches, having drawn 0-0 with Zimbabwe and beaten Namibia 2-1 in South Africa. Cameroon also has four points from their 1-0 victory over Namibia and a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Uganda.

Two teams from the group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament, set to be held in Morocco. Kenya is hoping to make a return to the competition, having last participated in the 2019 edition in Cairo, Egypt.

Earlier today, Coach Engin Firat named his provisional 28-man squad for two matches. The team will hit camp on Friday.

This story originated on MozzartSport.