Avire and Abuya Shine as Harambee Stars Go Top of Group J
In an empty Orlando stadium in South Africa the cards played out well for team Kenya in the 2-1 win against Namibia. This was the second round of Total Energies AFCON qualifiers 2025 after a barren draw against Zimbabwe in the first round played in Uganda. This crucial win has propelled harambee stars to the top of Group J keeping their hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025 in check.
45 Minutes of distress
In the first half, Namibia made Kenya replicate the 25th June 2024 march to parliament demos by running up, down and wide to counter press their dangerous attacks. Thanks to the solid defense of harambee stars as they were able to contain the hosts.
“They came with intensity so the aim was to contain their intensity and thank God we managed to finish without conceding “ center back and team Joseph Okumu said after the match.
Namibia`s winger Deon Hotto and striker Peter Shalulile gave the four-man Kenyan backline a difficult time, however they proved to stand the test of times. 13 mins into the game Rooney Onyango committed a foul just a few meters from the penalty area. However, goalkeeper Bryne Omondi was the savior of the moment after denying Namibia a goal from the free kick by just a whisk.
Tactical second half
From a tactical angle, Firat’s adjustments between the two halves were pivotal. In the first half, Kenya’s focus was on containment and organization, ensuring Namibia’s attacks were neutralized. The second half, however, saw Kenya take the initiative through quick transitions and set pieces.
The 4-2-3-1 formation Firat employed allowed Kenya to remain solid defensively while launching quick counters when the opportunity arose. The shape also allowed Odada and Akumu to sit comfortably in the central midfield. Meanwhile, Jonah Ayunga was giving Namibia`s defense a hard time.
A barren draw in the first half and 3 goals in the second half came by surprise. Kenya's defensive discipline, coupled with sharp counter-attacks proved crucial in overcoming a strong Brave warriors side.
Kenya brought in fresh energy. The introduction of Kenneth Muguna and Abud Omar in the second half brought more promising attacks with Eric Ouma moving up in the attacking third. For team Kenya quick transitions from defense to attack seem to give the hosts hard time. Further, capitalizing on set pieces was key and this gave Kenya a crucial goal. John Avire 58th minute sensational freekick was the tie breaker to put Kenya ahead.
READ: A Year Without Home Turf: Kenyan Fans Miss "Homeless" Harambee Stars
The key moment was Abuya`s goal in the 75th minute. After a corner from Namibia, Kenya’s Joseph Okumu's clearance header found Eric Ouma who launched a fast counter attack. Duke Abuya did not waste the chance to clinically finish Ouma`s cross to give Kenya the 2-0 lead. It was 2v2+GK moment where Ouma put a well taken cross to Abuya who comfortably scored the goal. The clean sheet record was spoiled by Namibia’s late injury time goal. This came after Deon Hotto`s freekick which easily went in after the goalkeeper’s mishap.
However, the result positions Kenya in a good spot to qualify for AFCON 2025. Harambee Stars take 4 points in two 2025 AFCON Qualifiers matches. The next challenge are the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on 11th Oct 2024 in Yaounde, Cameroon. Beating Namibia will play a huge role in motivating the Stars as they take on one of African football giants.
Ahead of the match, Coach Engin Firat was bullish saying, “Cameroon should think about how they want to crack us, so am not afraid of Cameroon “
