2025 Afcon qualifiers: Zimbabwe stand between Kenya and promised land
Harambee Stars defender Daniel Sakari dribbles the ball during the team’s training session at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Tuesday. Kenya play Zimbabwe in a 2025 Afcon qualifier at the same venue on November 15, 2024.
What you need to know:
- Zimbabwe’s striker Khama Billiat said: “We know very well that it is the most important game. We will try by all means to concentrate and be calm.”
- Harambee Stars pitched camp in Polokwane on Monday. Defender Daniel Sakari and goalkeeper Brain Bwire replaced Adam Wilson and Ian Otieno respectively.
It is a do-or-die for Harambee Stars on Friday when they face hosts Zimbabwe in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group “J” qualifier at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo province, South Africa.
The match kicks off at 6pm local time (7pm Kenyan time).
For Harambee Stars to qualify, they must win on Friday and on Tuesday versus Namibia at the same venue, and the Warriors lose or draw in their final fixture against Cameroon.
The meeting will be the 13th in history between the two sides at senior level. Kenya have beaten Zimbabwe five times while losing once.
Kenya and Zimbabwe are hosting their home matches in Polokwane because of lack of stadiums in their respective countries that meet the required Fifa and CAF standards to host an international fixture.
Group “J” leaders Cameroon guaranteed their qualification for the 2025 final in Morocco after drawing 0-0 with Namibia at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The Indomitable Lions are on 11 points and only Zimbabwe can mathematically overtaken them. The top two make it through per group.
Zimbabwe are second with eight points and Kenya third on four points. Win-less Namibia are last with one point.
Zimbabwe will make their sixth Afcon appearance should they defeat Kenya.
Kenya coach Engin Firat will be encouraged by the availability of his key players including captain Michael Olunga and defenders Daniel Anyembe, Joseph Okumu, and Eric Ouma.
Midfielders Anthony Akumu, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo are the other dependable Kenyan players available for selection.
However, the 54-year-old Turk has cautioned that the match will be tough since Zimbabwe boasts several Europe-based players.
“Zimbabwe have a lot of quality players, who are playing in Series A, French League 1. They have a full squad.
“They will not open the game and will try to play for time. We are aware of this and we have our ideas on how to open the game and capitalise on their weak sides,” said Firat.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe’s German coach Michael Nees has exuded confidence in to securing an Afcon ticket.
“We are happy because we are in a good position. We have our fate in our hands but that does not mean we should get complacent. We have to do the final step. I’m sure we will be able to achieve that,” said the German.
Zimbabwe’s striker Khama Billiat said: “We know very well that it is the most important game. We will try by all means to concentrate and be calm.”
Harambee Stars pitched camp in Polokwane on Monday. Defender Daniel Sakari and goalkeeper Brain Bwire replaced Adam Wilson and Ian Otieno respectively.
