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Harambee Stars excelled in a tightly contested AFCON qualifier showcasing strategic changes and robust defense against Namibia's Brave Warriors.
Harambee Stars have climbed to the top place in Group J of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a 2-1 victory over Namibia.
Kenya earned a crucial three points in their matchday two clash against the Brave Warriors at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday night.
Namibia were forced to use a neutral stadium away in South Africa as the country does not have a stadium that fulfills the required standards set by CAF and FIFA to host international matches.
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Engin Firat made three changes to the starting line-up that faced Zimbabwe as Jonah Ayunga made his debut replacing Eric Johana, with John Avire and Amos Nondi being recalled for Alphonce Omija and Austin Odhiambo respectively.
It was a lively opening in the fan-less match with Prins Tjiueza stinging the gloves of Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bryne Omondi from distance. Meanwhile, Loydt Kazapua was almost called into action to keep out Jonah Ayunga's attempt at the other end but it veered off target.
Rooney Onyango went into the referee's book in the 15th minute for a foul on Prins Menelik just on the edge of the penalty box. The resulting free kick was deflected out for a corner, which Namibia failed to capitalize on.
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Kenya were wasteful with the few chances they got in a game where they dominated ball possession during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Deon Hotto had a chance to shoot at goal following a good move by the hosts, but Harambee Stars stand-in captain Joseph Okumu put his body on the line as he blocked the goal-bound shot.
Harambee Stars were looking to capitalize on counter-attacks and had their first moment in attack from a transition a few minutes later after Ayunga threatened with a shot that flashed just wide.
As spaces began to open up, Richard Odada had a big chance just before the interval to break the deadlock after getting into Eric Ouma's delivery but his header went over the bar.
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The game remained lively after the break, and just three minutes in, Petrus Aprocius had a chance to break the deadlock for the Brave Warriors; he outmaneuvered Joseph Okumu and unleashed a powerful strike at the near post, but Bryne Omondi was alert, palming the ball onto the post before it was hooked to safety.
Harambee Stars remained on the attack and in the 52nd minute, Ayunga delivered a powerful shot that Loydt Kazapua failed to hold. John Avire followed up on the rebound, but the Namibian goalkeeper managed to grab the ball from the former Sofapaka man's legs.
Engin Firat's men continued to push for a goal, and they were rewarded in the 58th minute thanks to a strike from John Avire. His direct free kick went straight into the back of the net with the Namibian goalkeeper well beaten.
Namibia sustained the pressure and nearly managed to find the equalizer when Tjipe Karuumbo produced a powerful shot but it sailed over the crossbar.
A defensive header at the Stars' backline in the 75th minute sparked a swift counterattack as Erick Ouma burst down the left flank to square the ball off to Duke Abuya who made no mistake in doubling the Harambee Stars' advantage.
Namibia pushed for a consolation goal in the closing stages of the game, and they managed to get it courtesy of Deon Hotto in the last minute of the match.
Next, Kenya will face Cameroon on October 11 away in Yaoundé for their matchday three game.
Harambee Stars are determined to secure qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, set to be hosted by Morocco.
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How they lined up:
Namibia :Loydt Kazapua, Hanamub Hanamub, Vetunuavi Charles , Deon Hotto, Moses Shidolo, Muze Betuel , Prins Tijueza, Kennedy Amutenya, Peter Shalulile, Aprocious Megameno , Ivan Kamberipa
Subs:Mwatuovange Erasmus Ikeinge, Tjipenandjambi Carl Karuombe, Ngero Kanjuka Katua, Haidula Fares Ndilipunye Shapwa, Lawrence Doeseb, Kamajanda Ndisiro, Paulus Ileni Amutenya, Edward Maova
Kenya: Bryne Omondi, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Anthony Akumu, Ronney Onyango, Richard Odada, John Avire, Duke Abuya, Jonah Ayunga
Subs: Levis Opiyo, Abud Omar, Austine Odhiambo, Kenneth Muguna, Chrispine Erambo, Victor Omune, Matasi Patrick, Sharif Majabe , Eric Johana Omondi, Benson Omala, Alwyn Tera
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