Harambee Stars Begin AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Against Zimbabwe in Kampala
By Rama Mohammed |
Kenya’s Harambee Stars kick off their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign today with a crucial match against Zimbabwe in Kampala. Missing key players like captain Michael Olunga, the team faces an early test in their bid to return to the continental tournament after a four-year absence.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars will start their bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today with a match against Zimbabwe at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Kenya, last at the AFCON in 2019 in Egypt, has been placed in Group J for the qualifiers alongside Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Both Kenya and Zimbabwe missed the previous tournament due to FIFA suspensions over government interference in their football federations.
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Venue Issues
The match is being played in Uganda since Kenya does not currently have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for international matches. Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums are undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Preparations and Key Absentees
The Harambee Stars arrived in Kampala on Sunday to prepare for the match. France-based defender Joseph Okumu and midfielder Eric Johanna were the last to join the squad.
Kenya’s top striker and captain, Michael Olunga, will miss the match due to injury, and Okumu is expected to take over the captaincy. Defender Johnstone Omurwa, currently playing in Portugal, will also miss the match as he is negotiating a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Striker Benson Omala, last season's top scorer in the FKF Premier League, is doubtful for the game due to an injury he sustained after recently joining Lebanon’s Safa Sporting Club. Coach Engin Firat is expected to rely on winger Jonah Ayunga from Scottish side St. Mirren.
Positive Record Against Zimbabwe
Kenya will be hoping to continue their strong form against Zimbabwe, having beaten them twice earlier this year. In total, Harambee Stars have defeated Zimbabwe seven times in twelve meetings, with one loss and four draws.
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