Harambee Stars AFCON Dream Takes Hit in Zimbabwe Draw

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Austin Odhiambo Harambee Stars vs Zimbabwe
Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo in action during their AFCON Qualifier match against Zimbabwe

Kenya‘s national football team, Harambee Stars, were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The match, played at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, on September 6, 2024, saw the Stars miss out on a crucial three points due to a combination of defensive lapses and an inability to convert their chances.

In the absence of injured captain Michael Olunga, coach Engin Firat opted for a false nine formation with Eric Johanna leading the line. Despite the tactical shift, Kenya struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities, managing just one shot on target throughout the match. The introduction of John Avire in the second half offered a glimmer of hope, but his runs behind the Zimbabwean defense failed to yield results.

The draw came at a significant cost for Kenya, losing two key players to injuries. Defender Alphonse Omija was forced off early in the first half, while Eric Marcelo Ouma was replaced in the closing minutes. Both players are now doubtful for the Stars’ upcoming qualifier against Namibia.

What Firat Said

Following the match, coach Firat expressed his disappointment with the result but remained optimistic about Harambee Stars‘ chances of qualifying for the AFCON. He highlighted his team’s strong performance in many areas but criticized their lack of aggression in front of goal.

“I have no issue with the result of the game, I know nothing changes in our quest to qualify for the AFCON, the dream is still on and we will make sure we achieve it at the end of the group matches,” Firat said.

“We wanted a strong start, my players did everything we wanted to do, things worked well in many areas but the aggressiveness was the only thing missing,” he added.

Firat also took aim at the officiating, accusing Senegalese referee Adalbert Diouf of failing to send off two Zimbabwean players for dangerous tackles. He claimed that the referee’s decisions were biased and that Kenya was being unfairly treated.

“The referee should not help a team on the pitch. There are so many situations, I had no clue of what he saw. He should have red-carded Takwara for a dangerous foul in the second half,” he said.

“(Khama) Billiat should also have been sent off for a second bookable offence. Austin was fouled in the box and nothing was given. Why is it always us?” Firat wondered.

What the Result Means

With the draw, Harambee Stars currently sit atop Group F of the qualifiers, although their position is subject to change depending on the outcome of the Cameroon-Namibia match. The Stars will face Namibia in their next qualifier on September 10, 2024, in South Africa.

Only the top two teams from each of the 12 qualification groups will qualify for the 2025 AFCON to be held in Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026.

2025 AFCON Qualifiers Table

PosClubPWDLFAGDPts
1218762823531
2KCB75201331017
3K Sharks734094513
4Mara Sugar632173411

2025 AFCON Qualifiers Fixtures

  1. Namibia vs Kenya (Orlando Stadium, South Africa, September 10, 2024, 7 pm EAT)
  2. Cameroon vs Kenya (October 7, 2024)
  3. Kenya vs Cameroon (October 15, 2024)
  4. Zimbabwe vs Kenya (November 11, 2024)
  5. Kenya vs Namibia (November 19, 2024)

Harambee Stars Starting XI

Byrne Omondi (GK), Alphonse Omija (Amos Nondi), Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Eric Ouma (Abud Omar), Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Austin Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Eric Johanna (John Avire), Duke Abuya (Alwyn Tera)

Substitutes

Levis Opiyo (GK), Patrick Matasi (GK), Jonah Ayunga, Kenneth Muguna, Chrispine Erambo, Victor Omune, Sharif Majabe, Benson Omalla

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