Harambee Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have come crashing down following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe. This result, secured at the New Peter Moraba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, has left the team with no chance of advancing to the tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco next year.
Harambee Stars players line up before their World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast in Malawi. PHOTO/Timothy
Kenya entered this crucial match needing a victory to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. The team had already suffered two defeats against Cameroon in their opening matches, leaving them desperate for points. The draw against Zimbabwe came after a hard-fought battle where Kenya initially struggled after conceding an early goal from Tawanda Maswanhise in the 32nd minute. However, striker Jonah Ayunga managed to equalize shortly after halftime, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Despite dominating possession with 62 per cent throughout the match, Harambee Stars failed to convert their chances into goals. The draw left them third in Group J with only 4 points, while Zimbabwe advanced with 9 points and Cameroon topped the group with 11 points, having already secured their spot in AFCON.
With their AFCON aspirations dashed, Harambee Stars now face a period of reflection and rebuilding. Coach Engin Firat will need to reassess his strategies and player selections as they prepare for future competitions. The upcoming match against Namibia on November 19 will serve as a formality rather than a decisive encounter, marking the end of Kenya’s campaign for this AFCON cycle.
The national team’s performance has raised questions about its structure and future direction. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will need to consider significant changes to enhance the team’s competitiveness on the continental stage. The need for a robust youth development program and better scouting systems has never been more critical as Kenya seeks to return to its former glory in African football.
The officiating team, led by Senegalese referee Diouf Adalbert, played a critical role in the match against Zimbabwe. Their responsibilities included ensuring fair play, maintaining safety protocols, and effective communication throughout the game. In high-stakes matches like this one, every decision—whether it was a foul, offside, or card—was magnified in importance.
The referee’s management of the game contributed to its intensity and pace, impacting how players approached their strategies. Despite Kenya’s dominance in possession and their efforts to maintain pressure after equalizing through Ayunga, the officiating decisions influenced the match’s flow and ultimately its outcome.
As Harambee Stars look ahead, they must confront the reality of their situation and strive for improvement. With many national teams already securing their spots for AFCON 2025, including Algeria, Nigeria, and Senegal among others, Kenya must focus on rebuilding and preparing for future challenges.
The disappointment of missing out on AFCON serves as a wake-up call for Kenyan football stakeholders. It is time to invest in infrastructure, coaching, and player development to ensure that Harambee Stars can compete at the highest level once again. Only through concerted efforts can Kenya hope to reclaim its place among Africa’s football elite.
