The final two rounds of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers will be happening over the weekend and Harambee Stars' stakes couldn’t be higher. Sitting in 3^rd place of group J, Kenya needs crucial points to overtake Zimbabwe and claim the second spot in their group. The task ahead is challenging and not entirely in the team's hands but is achievable. Kenyan fans are holding their breath with the hopes that the stars do align.

Harambee Stars Squad

Coach Engin First named a 25 man squad for the two qualifiers. Amos Wanjala Kenya U-20 captain and Leshan Mootian earned their first call up to the national team.

Goalkeepers

Byrne Odhiambo, Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire

Defenders 

Daniel Anyembe, Amos Wanjala, Amos Nondi, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Charles Momanyi, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar

Midfielders 

Anthony Akumu, Marvin Nabwire, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Austine Odhiambo, Ronney Onyango, Alfred Scriven, Leshan Mootian, Daniel Sakari

Forwards 

Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire

The First Test : Zimbabwe vs Kenya | Orlando Stadium | South Africa 

On Friday 15^th 2024, at 7:00 PM  Kenya will face Zimbabwe at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Like Kenya, the opponents also do not have a CAF approved stadium, hence, the South Africa venue.

The first leg played in Uganda ended in a tense barren draw, with both sides showcasing resilience but failing to find the back of net .This time around, Harambee Stars will need nothing less than a win to keep their AFCON hopes alive. 

Zimbabwe who are ahead of Kenya in the standings and one foot in the qualification side, will likely push hard with an aim to cement their place. The Warriors are unbeaten and have only conceded once in the current campaign.

Kenya has shown a knack for surprising opponents on the road. A win here would give Kenya vital points and the momentum needed for their final showdown. In addition, last time out in South Africa, they won.

The Decider: Kenya vs Namibia |  Peter Mokaba Stadium | South Africa 

Harambee Stars don't have to leave South Africa. Four days after the first challenge, on Tuesday 19^th Nov, 2024, at 4:00 PM , they take on Namibia at Peter Mokaba Stadium .

It is Namibia that the Harambee Stars beat  2-1 in South Africa last time they played there.

The Brave Warriors are currently at the bottom of the group, having suffered four losses and earned just one draw without a single win. However, underestimating them would be a mistake Kenya can’t afford. 

Math, Chance, and Hope

Kenya stands a slim chance of securing 2nd place in their qualifying group with just two games remaining.

For Kenya to overtake Zimbabwe and book a spot in AFCON 2025, they must win both their remaining matches, first against Zimbabwe and then Namibia. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, must drop points in both of their games – either by losing both to Kenya and Cameroon or losing one fixture and drawing the other. 

If one of these scenarios play out, Kenya could secure 2^nd place by reaching 10 points, with Zimbabwe capped at a maximum of 9 points or fewer. If Warriors secure a single win, Kenya can't qualify.

Hence, Kenya will need to give their all to achieve a first AFCON qualification since 2019. It's not all in their hands, but they have to deliver 2 wins and have hope.

Feature Image Credit: FKF