'We have to redeem ourselves' - Harambee Stars goalkeeper tips team to secure AFCON slot despite slim hopes

'We have to redeem ourselves' - Harambee Stars goalkeeper tips team to secure AFCON slot despite slim hopes

Evans Ousuru 09:50 - 21.10.2024

Kenya is banking on Cameroon to beat Zimbabwe to improve their chances of making it to Morocco next year

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Bryne Omondi believes Kenya can still qualify for next year's AFCON by beating Zimbabwe and Namibia despite their chances looking slim.

The Michael Olunga-captained Stars are currently ranked third in Group J with four points. Undefeated Group leaders Cameroon boasts of 10 points, two ahead of second-placed Zimbabwe with Kenya hoping that Cameroon can do them a favour by defeating Zimbabwe to enable the East African nation to qualify as the second-place team from the group.

Zimbabwe only needs one point in their remaining two matches, further putting Kenya's hopes on the line. However, the Bandari goalkeeper, Omondi, holds on to the hope that the Stars have what it takes to be part of the AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

"We have to redeem ourselves in the remaining two matches. We were expecting to get something from the matches against Cameroon, but we didn't despite playing well in the second leg. We are capable of winning the two matches and qualifying for the AFCON." Omondi revealed to Sports boom.

The former KCB shot stopper, who has started in three of the four qualifiers played so far, regretted that the support from the 12th man hasn't been coming forth, much to the disadvantage of the team. Kenya played both their home matches in Uganda, denying Kenyans the opportunity to cheer their team.

 "I don't think we would have dropped points in the two matches played. We played well in the two matches against Zimbabwe and Cameroon but honestly, it felt like we were honoring an away assignment. I am sure Kenyans would have shown up in big numbers to push us to get maximum points".

The last time Kenya participated in AFCON was in 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. Since it was first held in 1957, Kenya has competed in just six AFCON finals after debuting in the 1972 showpiece held in Cameroon.

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