CAF Orders Replay of Cameroon vs. Kenya AFCON Qualifier Over Match-Fixing Scandal

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ordered a replay of the 2025 AFCON qualifier between Cameroon and Kenya after an extensive investigation uncovered credible evidence of match-fixing.

This shocking development was confirmed in an official letter to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), in which CAF revealed that FIFA’s Integrity and Compliance Unit, working alongside CAF and international sports integrity bodies, found irregularities in the October 16, 2024, match played in Yaoundé.

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Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks AFCON Qualifiers

A forensic review of match footage and intelligence reports pointed to manipulation involving multiple individuals, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the game.

One name stands out in the controversy: Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi. His actions during the match have been flagged for potential violations of FIFA’s anti-match-fixing regulations. If found guilty, Matasi and other implicated individuals face severe consequences, including possible lifetime bans from football.

CAF has instructed the FKF to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and has mandated the provisional suspension of any implicated players or officials from all FKF-sanctioned competitions until the case is resolved.

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The Replay & Financial Implications

To maintain fairness, CAF will cover all expenses for the rematch, ensuring that neither Kenya nor Cameroon bears any financial burden. The replay will take place at a neutral venue within the next 60 days, with CAF set to announce the location soon.

This decision significantly impacts the AFCON 2025 qualification picture, as Cameroon won both fixtures against Kenya—a 1-0 away win before demolishing the Harambee Stars 4-1 in the return leg. With the integrity of the matches now in question, a replay could alter the final standings in Group F.

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A Stain on African Football?

Match-fixing scandals have plagued global football, but a CAF-ordered replay at this stage of an AFCON qualification campaign is unprecedented. This raises critical questions:

• How deep does the match-fixing rot go?
• Are other AFCON qualifiers compromised?
• Will FIFA and CAF use this as a stepping stone to clean up African football?

For now, all eyes are on CAF and FIFA as they navigate this high-profile controversy. One thing is clear—this scandal has rocked AFCON 2025 before the tournament even kicks off.