By Belinda Nketia
The Confederation of African Football, (CAF), has ordered a replay of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Cameroon and Kenya following an extensive investigation that uncovered credible evidence of match-fixing.
The match, originally played on October 16, 2024, in Yaoundé, has been deemed compromised due to irregularities identified by FIFA’s Integrity and Compliance Unit.
In a statement signed by Marjan Marjan and addressed to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) General Secretary on 1st April, 2025, CAF outlined the findings of a forensic review of match footage and intelligence reports from global sports integrity monitoring agencies. The investigation highlighted potential instances of match manipulation involving several individuals, including Kenyan goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
In response to these findings, the CAF Disciplinary Committee has made the following resolutions:
1. The match between Cameroon and Kenya will be replayed at a neutral venue to be determined by CAF within the next 60 days.
2. Several players from both teams, including Matasi, are under formal investigation for possible involvement in match-fixing. If found guilty, they could face severe sanctions, including lifetime bans from football.
3. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is required to cooperate fully with ongoing investigations and ensure that individuals under investigation are provisionally suspended from all FKF-sanctioned competitions until further notice.
4. CAF will cover all expenses related to the replay to prevent financial strain on either federation.
CAF and FIFA reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of fair play, integrity, and transparency in global football. They urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure justice is served in this matter.
Further details regarding the date and venue of the replay will be communicated in due course.
Statement Below:
