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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.
Kenya and Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Group J opener played and Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Harambee Stars were forced to use a neutral stadium away in Uganda as the country does not have a stadium that fulfills the required standards set by the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to host international matches.
Stars coach Engin Firat started the game with several of his regulars including captain Michael Olunga, defender Johnstone Omurwa, and midfielder Timothy Ouma of IF Elfsborg.
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Eric Johanna was the first to trouble the Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi with a shot from outside the box in the opening stages of the clash.
Moments later, Antony Akumu could have done better with a free header but with only the keeper to beat he directed his effort on the ground allowing Arubi to make a last ditch save.
In the 20th minute, the match was temporarily stopped after Omija collided with goalkeeper Bryne Omondi and was replaced by Amos Nondi.
After the restart, Zimbabwe continued to sit back and relied mostly on counter-attacks, especially from their Prince Dube who was a lone striker upfront.
The Warriors presented with a chance late in the half but Joseph Okumu did well to clear away Jordan Zemura’s goal-bound effort, with Brian Omondi well beaten.
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Somehow, part of the first half pace was literally pedestrian, something that suited the visitors well.
But after the break, the pace turned into frantic effort mostly from the home side as they chased the elusive goal.
Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo came close in the 52nd minute with a strike from the edge of the area that was cleared by Warriors defender Godknows Murwira.
The next clear cut opportunity in the second half fell to Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat, as the striker’s powerful shot from the edge of the area went over the bar.
Duke Abuya instigated a number of attacks for the Stars, often setting up the likes of Eric Johannah but his shots at goal lacked precision.
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Jonnah Avire came off the bench to replace Eric Johannah and almost made an immediate impact as he collected a delivery from Eric Ouma but his shot went just wide of the far post.
Maswanhise nearly won it for the visitors in the 77th minute but the midfielder’s long-range effort drew a fine save from Brian Omondi.
In the last 10 minutes, Zimbabwe threw all their men behind the ball frustrating the home side but substitute Prince Nxumalo could have snatched the winner at the death as somehow the South Africans survived yet another penalty appeal.
Both coaches were of the opinion that the second half was an open affair and with a bit of some luck either side could have won it.
How they lined up:
Kenya XI: Bryne Omondi, Alphonce Omija, Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Rooney Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Duke Abuya, Eric Johana
Zimbabwe XI: Wahington Arubi (GK), Godknows Murwira, Pater Garan’anga, John Takwara, Jordan Zemura, Andrew Rinomhota, Marshal Munetsi(c), Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Chirewa, Prince Dube.
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