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Akumu was reportedly inconsolable after Kenya were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in Polokwane last Friday to be knocked out of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Former Gor Mahia and Kaizer Chiefs AnthonyTeddy Akumu, has revealed that his time with the national team, Harambee Stars, might be nearing its end.
Akumu expressed his heartbreak after Kenya's failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, following a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe that ended their campaign.
Speaking candidly, Akumu shared the emotional toll of the missed opportunity.
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11:30 - 18.11.2024
Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee after Harambee Stars' 2025 AFCON qualification woes -Time for complete overhaul
Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee reveals two problems he saw during Harambee Stars' 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe last Friday that need immediate fixing if Kenya is to become an AFCON mainstay.
“After the disappointment of missing out on the 2019 AFCON, even though we had qualified, I knew this campaign was my final shot at playing on Africa’s biggest stage,” Akumu said as quoted on Mozzart Sport.
“At my age, I knew qualifying would give me a chance to showcase my skills at 33. Now that it hasn’t happened, I don’t think I have another campaign in me.”
Akumu’s despair was evident after the final whistle, as he wept outside the team’s dressing room. It took coach Engin Firat to console him and persuade him to rejoin his teammates.
“From the moment the draw was made, our focus was clear – we were determined to get out of the group. It didn’t matter who we faced,” Akumu explained. “Having been part of the campaign from the start, it felt within reach. Now, it’s tough to see myself doing this all over again.”
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06:15 - 18.11.2024
Engin Firat: The grand promiser left searching for answers with Harambee Stars
Kenyan dreams were shattered as Engin Firat’s false promises left Harambee Stars broken, missing AFCON 2025 and hope itself.
While the 31-year-old remains open to a future call-up, he admitted it’s likely time to make way for younger talents.
“By the time the next campaign begins, there will be younger players ready to step up. I’m not counting myself out entirely, but this may well have been my last attempt,” he reflected.
Despite his personal doubts, Akumu’s commitment to the national team has been unwavering. He featured in every match of Kenya’s qualification campaign, even during a challenging period when he was without a club for 18 months.
His move to Iran three months ago marked a fresh start, with a two-year contract at Kheybar Khorramabad. Akumu credited his resilience and fitness to discipline.
“Staying fit during that time without a club was crucial. I knew I had to be ready, whether for the national team or for an opportunity in the transfer market,” he said. “Discipline on and off the pitch has been the cornerstone of my career and the reason I’ve lasted this long.”
Akumu made his debut for Harambee Stars in 2011 and has been a stalwart for over a decade. As he weighs his future, his contributions to Kenyan football remain indisputable.
While Kenya's AFCON dream is over for now, Akumu’s legacy as a disciplined and dedicated servant of the game will undoubtedly endure.
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