Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has expressed his profound disappointment following Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team’s campaign ended in heartbreak after a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane City last Friday. This left Kenya third in their group and out of contention for a place in Africa’s premier football tournament.
In an emotional interview, Olunga admitted the team grappled with the sting of elimination.
“It is a difficult moment for all of us to process now. We are all disappointed that we could not finish on a high despite trying our best,” said the Al-Duhail forward, whose performances have often been the team’s beacon of hope.
An AFCON Qualifiers Campaign to Forget
Kenya’s AFCON qualifying campaign was marred by inconsistency and challenges on and off the pitch. Despite early optimism, back-to-back losses to Cameroon proved to be the turning point. Reflecting on the group stage matches, Olunga pointed to these defeats as decisive in Kenya’s failure to advance.
“If you look at our group, we only lost two matches back-to-back, and that was against Cameroon. Though Cameroon were the clear favourites, had we picked one point against them, we would have had a realistic chance of qualifying,” Olunga explained.
The two losses exposed Kenya’s vulnerabilities against top-tier African sides, highlighting the need for better preparation and mental toughness when facing heavyweights.
Home Ground Disadvantage
A significant theme in Olunga’s reflection was the team’s prolonged exile from home soil. For three years, Harambee Stars have been unable to play their matches in Kenya due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium, forcing them to rely on foreign venues as their temporary home grounds.
“Playing at home is obviously a big motivation factor,” Olunga said. “While we don’t want to use this as an excuse, it makes a difference. We should all work towards ensuring that we have stadiums ready.”
The absence of a home ground has robbed Kenyan players of the passionate support that can inspire exceptional performances and impacted the team’s preparation logistics.
Nyayo, Kasarani under Construction
Olunga called on the Kenyan government and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to prioritize the development of sports infrastructure. Without certified stadiums to host international matches, the country’s football future remains in jeopardy.
“Having proper facilities is not just about compliance; it’s about creating an environment where players can thrive,” Olunga emphasized. He urged stakeholders to commit to completing the stalled renovation projects that have hindered Kenya’s ability to host games.
Not Time For Blame Games
Despite the heartbreak, Olunga struck a tone of optimism, calling for unity among all stakeholders in Kenyan football. Rather than apportioning blame, he emphasized the importance of collective reflection and collaboration to address the gaps exposed during the campaign.
“This is not the time to apportion blame but to reflect and identify where we went wrong to ensure future assignments don’t end in disappointment like this,” said the captain.
The forward underscored the need for investment in grassroots and elite football to ensure that Kenya can produce players capable of competing on the continental stage.
What next for the Harambee Stars?
Harambee Stars’s road to redemption requires bold steps and strategic planning. Olunga outlined three critical areas for improvement:
- Infrastructure Development: Ensuring CAF-compliant stadiums are ready for the team to play at home.
- Stronger Player Development: Establishing robust programs for nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
- Improved Preparation: Securing high-calibre friendly matches and investing in modern coaching techniques to compete with Africa’s best.
“We need to address the gaps we’ve identified in this campaign. This will be crucial for the team’s growth and for us to achieve better results in upcoming assignments,” Olunga concluded.
Fans’ Frustration
While Olunga’s comments resonated with calls for reflection, frustrations remain high among Kenyan fans, who have been starved of success in recent years. Many have criticized the FKF for what they see as poor leadership and the decision to stick with head coach Engin Firat despite underwhelming results. Firat, who has overseen the team’s mixed fortunes, faces mounting pressure to turn things around.
As the dust settles on this failed campaign, one thing is clear: Harambee Stars must use this disappointment as a springboard for change. Olunga’s message of unity and reflection offers a glimmer of hope, but Kenya risks falling further behind its African peers without concrete action.
For a nation passionate about football, the next steps will determine whether Harambee Stars can rise again or remain trapped in a cycle of near misses and unmet potential. The clock is ticking, and the road to redemption begins now.