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Kenya drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe on Friday night, which locked them out from qualifying for the 2025 continental showpiece
Kenya's dream of featuring in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) came to a disappointing end after a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Polokwane.
The Harambee Stars needed a victory to keep their hopes alive but fell short. With just five points from their Group J campaign, Kenya will finish third behind Zimbabwe and group leaders Namibia. Here are five critical lessons from the match:
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21:00 - 15.11.2024
Harambee Stars eliminated from 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification after draw against Zimbabwe
Disappointment as Harambee Stars failed to secure a vital win against Zimbabwe ending their hopes of Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
1. Harambee Stars struggle under pressure
Once again, the Harambee Stars faltered in a high-stakes match. Needing a win to stay in the race for AFCON qualification, they appeared overwhelmed by the occasion.
Despite moments of promise, they couldn't muster the composure required to capitalize on their opportunities.
Zimbabwe, buoyed by a sizable contingent of traveling fans, seized their moment when Tawanda Maswanhis scored on the counter after a Kenyan miss.
Although Jonah Ayunga leveled the score with his debut goal for Kenya, the Stars couldn’t find the decisive breakthrough.
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22:00 - 15.11.2024
Zimbabwe v Kenya player ratings: Johnstone Omurwa, Jonah Ayunga walk tall as Michael Olunga disappoints
Kenya’s AFCON dream may have ended but the performances of players like Ayunga and Omurwa offer hope for a brighter future.
2. Missed chances continue to haunt Kenya
Kenya’s inefficiency in front of goal remains a recurring theme. Ronney Onyango’s missed opportunity in the 31st minute—firing wide after a brilliant solo run—proved costly as Zimbabwe capitalized on the ensuing counterattack.
Despite generating opportunities, primarily from set-pieces, Kenya lacked clinical finishing. Strikers Michael Olunga and Jonah Ayunga struggled to find space, with head coach Engin Firat’s strategy of delivering crosses to the target men falling flat.
3. Vulnerability to counterattacks
The Harambee Stars' commitment to attacking football left them exposed defensively. Zimbabwe exploited gaps with swift counterattacks, one of which resulted in their goal.
Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Omondi was called upon multiple times to make crucial saves, highlighting the team’s defensive fragility. While Kenya managed to salvage a point, their susceptibility to counterplay remains a glaring issue.
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09:37 - 14.09.2024
Harambee Stars boss Engin Firat on why qualifying for AFCON 2025 round of 16 in Morocco is 'a must'
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has explained why his charges must not only qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but also reach the knockouts, having gotten their campaign off to a good start.
4. Engin Firat's ever-changing lineup
Engin Firat’s tactical approach has raised questions about whether he has a clear vision for the team. The Turkish coach fielded his fifth consecutive different starting XI, a move that has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.
While injuries like that of Richard Odada justified some changes, Firat’s decision to drop John Avire and Duke Abuya after solid performances against Cameroon left many puzzled.
Abud Omar and Jonah Ayunga were brought in to facilitate a more direct style of play, but the plan didn’t yield the desired results. Kenya’s inability to find consistency under Firat was evident throughout the match.
5. Is Firat’s time up?
Engin Firat’s tenure as Harambee Stars head coach is under intense scrutiny. Following back-to-back defeats to Cameroon in October and the failure to qualify for AFCON, calls for his resignation have grown louder.
In November 2023, Firat had boldly declared that qualifying for AFCON 2025 was non-negotiable. "AFCON 2025 is a must for us," he emphasised.
However, his tactical decisions, substitutions, and lack of a consistent lineup have left fans disillusioned. Firat now faces an uncertain future as Kenya shifts focus to the 2027 AFCON, which they will host.
Kenya’s failure to secure AFCON qualification underscores deeper issues within the team, from tactical inconsistencies to mental fortitude under pressure.
As the dust settles on another missed opportunity, questions loom large over Firat’s leadership and the direction of Kenyan football.
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