Harambee Stars face critical test in AFCON 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe
By Rama Mohammed |
Harambee Stars face a must-win match against Zimbabwe tonight in their bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With their hopes hanging by a thread after October's defeats to Cameroon, Kenya must secure victory and also rely on Zimbabwe's final match against Cameroon to stay in contention.
Harambee Stars' journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches a pivotal moment as they prepare to face Zimbabwe in a crucial Group J qualifier tonight at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. With their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Kenya must win this match to keep their dreams of qualifying alive.
For Kenya to stay in contention, a victory over Zimbabwe is non-negotiable, followed by another win against Namibia on Tuesday. The Stars also need Zimbabwe to lose or draw their final group game against Cameroon to boost their chances.
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The game is set to take place in South Africa, as Zimbabwe’s facilities were deemed inadequate by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host AFCON qualifiers.
Kenya’s road to qualification
After missing out on the 2023 AFCON, Kenya made a strong start in the 2025 qualifiers with four points from two games in September. But their hopes took a blow in October after back-to-back defeats against Cameroon — 4-1 away and 1-0 in their home fixture held in Uganda.
A loss to Zimbabwe tonight would mathematically end Kenya's chances, but a win would keep them in the race for second place, leaving everything to play for in the final group match against Namibia.
Under coach Engin Firat, Kenya’s away record has been inconsistent, but they will draw confidence from their past encounters with Zimbabwe. The Stars have never lost to the Warriors in five previous meetings, securing three wins and two draws. Zimbabwe’s only win against Kenya came in 1985, during the CECAFA finals.
Zimbabwe’s strong run
Zimbabwe have been impressive in their qualification campaign so far, remaining unbeaten with two draws and two wins. The Warriors will be keen to extend their unbeaten streak and secure qualification with a point or better against Kenya.
Coach Michael Nees has built a solid defensive unit, with Zimbabwe conceding just one goal in four matches. Despite the disruption to their preparations due to heavy rains in Polokwane, the Warriors remain confident of their chances, especially with several players familiar with South African conditions. Nees remains optimistic, saying, "We’re in control of our destiny, but we must remain focused and finish strong."
Team news
Zimbabwe will be without Nantes striker Tino Kadewere due to injury, and there are concerns over Munashe Garananga's fitness after he missed Copenhagen’s last match.
For Kenya, coach Firat has made some changes to the squad, notably dropping goalkeeper Patrick Matasi and replacing him with Farouk Shikalo. Other key absentees include Zak Vyner, Geoffrey Ochieng, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, and Chris Erambo. On a positive note, Amos Wanjala has been called up, adding fresh depth to the team.
As the match approaches, both teams know what’s at stake. Kenya must secure a vital win to keep their AFCON hopes alive, while Zimbabwe aims to build on their strong start and inch closer to qualification.
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