Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, have been knocked out of the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers after a disappointing 1-1 draw with South Sudan in the second leg, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate loss. The outcome highlights Kenya’s continued struggles under head coach Engin Firat, who has faced criticism for the team’s inconsistency and failure to deliver results in competitive matches.
The Stars entered the second leg clash needing a strong comeback to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat in Juba. However, despite taking an early lead, the team could not capitalize, ultimately allowing South Sudan to equalize and advance to the next qualification round. This unexpected exit has raised questions about Kenya’s preparedness and Firat’s approach to the qualifiers, especially given that Kenya has already secured a place in the 2025 CHAN finals as a host nation.
Kenya Fails to Overturn First Leg Deficit
The second leg, played at Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, saw a glimmer of hope for Kenya as they struck first. Austin Odhiambo, who captained the team for the match, scored in the 10th minute, giving the Stars a 1-0 lead and the belief they could overcome the deficit. However, the South Sudanese Bright Stars struck back just before halftime, leveling the match in the 43rd minute. This draw was enough for South Sudan to progress on aggregate, sending them into the final qualification round against Rwanda.
The Bright Stars’ coach, Nicolas Dupuis, expressed optimism about his team’s chances in the next stage. “We are very determined and will prepare for the next round of the qualifiers because I believe we have a good team. Our major target is to qualify for CHAN 2025 because this will mean a lot for us and South Sudan as a country,” Dupuis remarked after their victory over Kenya.
Firat’s Underwhelming Tenure Continues
The defeat has once again drawn attention to Engin Firat’s record as head coach since his appointment in September 2021. In his tenure, Firat has led Kenya in 22 matches, securing seven wins, six draws, and nine losses. Notably, he has failed to defeat South Sudan in three separate encounters, including a 1-0 loss in a friendly at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium. Firat’s record raises doubts about his ability to elevate the team in competitive fixtures, especially given Kenya’s limited success under his leadership in critical matches.
Firat, the former Moldova national team coach, openly expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the qualifiers, given that Kenya already holds a ticket to the 2025 CHAN as one of the host nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. Firat cited Kenya’s congested schedule as a reason for deprioritizing the qualifiers, a stance that has not gone down well with fans and critics alike. The lack of urgency and focus on the qualifiers has left many questioning whether Firat and his technical team are committed to building a competitive squad for the tournament.
“The qualifiers made no sense considering that Kenya had the ticket in hand and the congested FIFA calendar,” Firat stated in a previous interview, a sentiment that has contributed to his growing unpopularity among Kenya’s football supporters.
Kenya’s Persistent Struggles in Competitive Matches
Since taking over, Firat has only managed to secure three wins in competitive fixtures, an underwhelming figure that highlights the need for a stronger approach. The 2025 CHAN qualifiers were seen as an opportunity for Kenya to not only prepare for the finals but also build a cohesive team. Firat’s decision to field less experienced players and take a seemingly casual approach to the qualifiers has, however, hindered this progress.
Kenya’s exit from the qualifiers may have broader implications for Firat’s tenure and his ability to steer the team toward success in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Firat’s focus will now shift to the two remaining AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, where Kenya hopes to secure six points and keep its slim chances of qualification alive. These matches represent a crucial opportunity for Firat to redeem himself after the disappointment in the CHAN qualifiers.
Upcoming AFCON Qualifiers and Path to Redemption
Kenya’s journey to the 2025 AFCON qualification continues in November, with a critical away match against Zimbabwe set for November 15 in South Africa. Four days later, they will face Namibia in Uganda. The Stars must win both matches to have any realistic chance of making it to AFCON 2025. However, their fate also hinges on Zimbabwe’s performance against Cameroon. If Kenya wins both matches and Zimbabwe loses to Cameroon, Harambee Stars could qualify for their first AFCON since 2019, providing a chance for redemption for Firat and his squad.
While the Stars’ poor performance in the CHAN qualifiers is disheartening, Kenya’s fans remain hopeful that the AFCON qualifiers will see a more competitive and driven team. The upcoming matches will be a true test of Firat’s capabilities and his ability to inspire the team to greater achievements.
Firat’s Mixed Record with Harambee Stars
An analysis of Firat’s record with the Harambee Stars since his appointment further highlights the inconsistency that has plagued Kenya’s national team. Out of the 22 matches under Firat, notable results include a 4-1 win over Malawi, a 3-1 win against Zimbabwe, and a solid 2-1 win over Namibia. Yet, Kenya has also suffered heavy defeats, such as the 5-0 loss to Mali and back-to-back losses to Cameroon. The lack of a clear upward trajectory has been frustrating for Kenyan fans, who have yearned for a return to AFCON and improved performances on the continental stage.
Among the low points was Kenya’s recent 2-0 loss to South Sudan in the CHAN qualifiers’ first leg in Juba, which marked a new low for the team against a side ranked significantly lower in international standings.
South Sudan’s Rise and Kenya’s Decline
The contrast between South Sudan’s rise and Kenya’s apparent decline has added to the frustration for Kenyan supporters. South Sudan’s success in the qualifiers reflects the growth of football in the region, as well as the importance of strong preparation and commitment. Kenya’s exit underscores a need for a strategic overhaul, not only in the coaching staff but also in player selection and development.
The CHAN qualifier exit at the hands of South Sudan serves as a stark reminder of Harambee Stars’ struggles on the competitive stage and the uphill task awaiting them in the AFCON qualifiers. While Kenya’s spot as a CHAN host offers some relief, it is crucial for the team to demonstrate better performances and a stronger commitment to success. Engin Firat’s approach, which has been marked by inconsistent results and a perceived lack of focus on key matches, is now under intense scrutiny. Kenya’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers represent a make-or-break opportunity for Firat and the Stars. With the nation’s pride and hopes of reaching AFCON 2025 on the line, Kenya’s fans will be looking for nothing short of victory in November.