Kenya’s Harambee Stars have officially bowed out of contention for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in their penultimate Group J qualifier. The result marked the end of Kenya’s hopes of securing a spot in Morocco next year, leaving fans and players alike in despair.
The Stars needed a win to keep their qualification dream alive and hope for a favorable result in Zimbabwe’s final game against Cameroon. However, their inability to secure maximum points in Harare means their campaign ends prematurely, with one match still to play.
A Spirited Start Without Reward
Harambee Stars came into the match with high stakes and started brightly, demonstrating purpose and urgency. Within the opening minutes, Kenya almost grabbed the lead when captain Michael Olunga found himself in a promising position in the box. However, a crucial intervention by Zimbabwean defender Teenage Hadebe denied the striker, keeping the game level.
Kenya’s defense was tested early too, with Johnstone Omurwa stepping up in the 15th minute to block a powerful strike from Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Maswanhise. Despite Kenya’s early pressure, Zimbabwe broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Maswanhise, who had been lively throughout the first half, unleashed a stunning long-range effort that left goalkeeper Byrne Omondi with no chance, putting the hosts ahead 1-0.
The goal spurred Harambee Stars to respond, but a golden opportunity to equalize before halftime was squandered when Rooney Onyango failed to capitalize on a defensive lapse by Zimbabwe. His wayward shot typified Kenya’s struggles in front of goal, and the first half ended with Zimbabwe holding a narrow lead.
Kenya’s Second-Half Resurgence
Kenya returned after the break with renewed determination and made early substitutions to refresh their ranks. Coach Engin Firat introduced Duke Abuya and Charles Momanyi for Aboud Omar and Joseph Okumu, changes that immediately paid dividends.
Jonah Ayunga Scores His First Goal For Harambee Stars
In the 52nd minute, Jonah Ayunga seized on a costly mistake by Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who spilled the ball under pressure. Ayunga reacted swiftly, poking home the loose ball to level the score at 1-1;his first goal in Harambee Stars shirt. The equalizer reignited Kenya’s hopes, but converting chances into goals remained a challenge.
Zimbabwe adjusted their strategy, bringing on Godknows Murilwa in defense. The substitute nearly restored Zimbabwe’s lead with his first involvement, but his rushed effort went wide. On the other end, Michael Olunga continued to struggle in front of goal, missing a crucial opportunity that could have turned the tide in Kenya’s favor.
Frustration Mounts for Kenya
As the game wore on, Zimbabwe adopted a more defensive approach, frustrating Kenya’s attackers. Despite Kenya’s dominance in possession and relentless attempts to find a winner, Zimbabwe’s defense, led by the experienced Hadebe, stood firm.
Bryne Omondi With Saves
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was equally pivotal, commanding his area with authority to prevent Zimbabwe from capitalizing on counterattacks. In the closing stages, the match became an end-to-end affair, but Kenya failed to find the crucial second goal they desperately needed.
When the final whistle blew, Kenya’s dream of participating in the 2025 AFCON came to a disappointing end.
Key Talking Points
Missed Opportunities in the match
Harambee Stars will rue the missed chances, especially Olunga’s early effort and Onyango’s squandered opportunity in the first half. Zimbabwe’s defense proved resolute, but Kenya’s inability to convert chances under pressure highlighted a recurring weakness in their campaign.
Kenya’s Defensive Lapses
Tawanda Maswanhise’s goal was a product of poor defensive organization, a recurring theme in Kenya’s qualifiers. While Omurwa and Omondi had strong individual moments, the team’s overall defensive cohesion remains an area of concern.
Engin Firat’s Tactical Adjustments
Coach Engin Firat’s changes brought Kenya back into the game, but the lack of a clinical finisher cost the team dearly. The decision to bring on Duke Abuya and Charles Momanyi revitalized the team’s approach but came too late to change the outcome.
End of the Road for Harambee Stars
The draw leaves Kenya in third place in Group J, with just one match remaining against Namibia. With Zimbabwe ahead on points and Cameroon already securing qualification, Kenya’s campaign is over. The result also highlights deeper issues within the national team setup, from tactical inconsistencies to player selection debates.
What Next For Harabee the
The focus now shifts to the future. With AFCON 2025 no longer a possibility, Kenya must regroup and rebuild ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Structural improvements, better preparation, and a renewed emphasis on youth development could be the key to achieving better results in the future.
Kenya’s performance in the qualifiers was a mix of flashes of brilliance and moments of despair. The draw against Zimbabwe encapsulates their campaign—promising but ultimately unfulfilled. Fans will hope for a brighter chapter as Harambee Stars aim to reclaim their status as continental contenders.
Kenya Starting XI:
Byrne Omondi, Joseph Okumu, Abud Omar, Johnston Omurwa, Amos Nondi, Daniel Ayembe, Eric Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Rooney Onyango, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga
Zimbabwe Starting XI:
Washington Arubi, Gerald Takwara, Peter Garan’anga, Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Andy Rinomhota, Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat