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Kenya must beat Zimbabwe at all costs to keep their 2025 AFCON qualifying hopes alive.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has made a stirring promise to fans ahead of Friday’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe, declaring the match a “do-or-die” encounter.
Speaking following the team’s final training session at the Peter Makoba Stadium, Olunga expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to secure the vital three points needed to keep their qualification hopes alive.
“We know the expectations on our shoulders, and this is exciting for us, considering our opponents are a good side as they have played well in previous games,” Olunga stated.
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12:30 - 15.11.2024
Ex-Harambee Stars midfielder Titus Mulama agrees with Engin Firat on why Kenya rarely produces elite football talents
Engin Firat has constantly emphasised the need for Kenya to have better talent development hubs for youngsters, which Titus Mulama has completely agreed with.
“For us, it is a do-or-die game, and we will put in maximum effort and minimise our mistakes, even as we try to be more effective in the final third.”
Uphill task for Stars
Kenya faces a daunting task in Group J, trailing Zimbabwe by four points and needing nothing less than a win to stay in contention for a ticket to Morocco. With the Warriors occupying the final qualification slot, Harambee Stars must not only defeat Zimbabwe but also overcome Namibia in their last group match to stand a chance of progressing.
Despite setbacks in their last two matches, Olunga remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances. “In football, you don’t give up until the last minute, and for us, there is still a possibility to make it to Morocco,” he affirmed.
Rallying plea to fans
The Al Duhail striker also addressed the absence of home support, acknowledging that Harambee Stars have not played in front of their fans for three years. However, he urged his teammates to focus on delivering a performance that would make supporters proud.
“We are now used to playing without fans, and we cannot use it as an excuse. We need to show character and deliver,” he said. “We must reward our fans with a smile against Zimbabwe because they are expecting a lot from us.”
Olunga’s bold declaration encapsulates the determination of a leader who understands the stakes. His promise to deliver and bring joy to the fans serves as a rallying cry for a nation eager to see Harambee Stars rise to the occasion.
As the team gears up for this high-stakes clash, all eyes will be on Olunga and his squad to see if they can overcome the odds and breathe new life into their AFCON qualification dreams.
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