Kenya held to goalless draw by Zimbabwe in AFCON 2025 Qualifier
By Rama Mohammed |
Kenya's AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign kicked off with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in Kampala, where dominant possession failed to yield a breakthrough for the hosts Harambee Stars.
Kenya and Zimbabwe played out a 0-0 draw in their opening match of the 2025 AFCON Group J qualifiers on Friday at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Kenya, the designated home team, controlled much of the possession, especially in the first half, but struggled to break down a solid Zimbabwe defence.
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The hosts suffered an early blow when Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija picked up an injury and was replaced by Amos Nondi. Despite their dominance in possession, Kenya failed to create many clear-cut chances, while Zimbabwe looked more dangerous on the counterattack.
Udinese midfielder Jordan Zemura was denied in the 27th minute by last-ditch defending after a good build-up by Khama Billiat on the left flank. Earlier, Eric "Marcelo" Ouma sent a cross into the box in the 25th minute, but it failed to find a Kenyan player. At the other end, Kenyan goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a fine save to keep out a shot from Zimbabwe’s Prince Dube in the 41st minute.
📷 | 🇰🇪 🆚 🇿🇼
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 6, 2024
A point to start off our 2025 AFCON qualification campaign. #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/KpcTCIf8B1
In the second half, Kenya increased the pressure, earning several corners in quick succession, but they couldn’t find a way through. Ouma, who had a strong performance, made a dangerous run into the Zimbabwe penalty area in the 53rd minute, but his claims for a penalty were dismissed by the referee.
Zimbabwe came close to scoring in the 60th minute, but Khama Billiat's curling effort went over the bar. Kenya's best chance arrived in the 80th minute when Marcelo latched onto a pass from Austin Odhiambo, only for Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi to make a crucial save.
Kenya will now head to Johannesburg for their next match against Namibia, who are set to play Cameroon later today.
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