Cameroon and Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has opened up about the stiff competition his national side is facing from Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the race to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Onana, a key figure in Cameroon’s campaign, also expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support he received from Manchester United fans during Cameroon’s recent qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uganda.

Cameroon kicked off their AFCON qualifying campaign with a win over Namibia and a draw against Zimbabwe, earning them four points from their first two matches.

Andre Onana's visit to Uganda sparks wild scenes of fan chaos after Cameroon's 0-0 draw, leaving security scrambling.

 Despite securing a valuable point against Zimbabwe, the Cameroonian shot-stopper has admitted that Kenya remains the team that is causing the Indomitable Lions the most stress in the group.

«Kenya is the only team in our group that is giving us competition, but I hope we make it to the qualifying rounds,» Onana told , acknowledging the challenge posed by Harambee Stars.

Both Cameroon and Kenya are currently tied at the top of Group J, each with four points after two games. 

With back-to-back matches against each other scheduled for October, Onana and his teammates will need to overcome Kenya in the race to secure a spot in the continental tournament.

While Onana is focused on helping Cameroon navigate the tricky road to AFCON 2025, he couldn’t ignore the incredible love he received from Manchester United fans in Uganda during their match against Zimbabwe. Uganda, a country with deep loyalty to the Red Devils, made Onana feel right at home at the Nelson Mandela (Namboole) Stadium.

Engin Firat has revealed one key factor that could help his charges shock Cameroon in October after they moved to the top of Group J of their AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

With nearly 600,000 members in the country’s largest Facebook group for Manchester United fans, the goalkeeper’s presence generated excitement well before kickoff. Fans eagerly awaited the moment they could watch Onana live, and when the day arrived, they filled the stadium with electrifying energy.

«I am also happy again with the love showed to me by the Manchester fans,» Onana said, clearly touched by the support. The stadium was packed with fans chanting his name, with cries of «Onana!» ringing out across the stands alongside the cheers for Cameroon.

The match itself, however, was a frustrating one for Cameroon. Despite their best efforts, the Indomitable Lions couldn’t break down Zimbabwe’s defense, and Onana had to pull off multiple saves to ensure his side walked away with a point. Following the 0-0 draw, fans swarmed the stadium exits, eager for a glimpse of their hero.

«The game against Zimbabwe was a little bit hard but we came out with a point,» Onana admitted, reflecting on the encounter. The goalkeeper’s presence alone seemed to turn Uganda into a second home for Manchester United fans, with many attending the game just to see him in action.

With Kenya set to host their home game against Cameroon at the Nelson Mandela Stadium due to the lack of FIFA-approved stadiums in the country, fans will once again have the opportunity to watch Onana in action. 

The rematch is expected to draw even more attention, as Kenyan and Manchester United supporters fill the stands to witness the high-stakes encounter.

For now, Onana remains focused on the challenge ahead, fully aware that Harambee Stars pose the greatest threat to Cameroon’s quest for AFCON qualification.

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