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Why Teddy Akumu is confident ahead of Harambee Stars' must-win AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Harambee Stars midfielder Teddy Akumu remains confident that Kenya can still secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite two recent setbacks against Cameroon.
These losses have dimmed Kenya's chances, but Akumu believes that the upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia provide a pathway to redemption. Kenya will take on Zimbabwe on Friday, November 15, and face Namibia on Tuesday, November 19, with both matches set to be held at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
These games are critical as Kenya sits third in Group J with four points. Cameroon leads the group with ten points, while Zimbabwe holds second place with eight. The Harambee Stars' qualification hopes hinge on these final matches, as victories could put them back in contention for their first AFCON appearance since 2019.
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06:30 - 11.11.2024
Harambee Stars legend backs decision to drop Matasi as he picks which goalkeeper to play against Zimbabwe & Namibia
The former Kenyan international has agreed with Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat’s move on the Kenya Police man while picking his favourite goalkeeper for the upcoming matches.
Kenya had started their campaign on a promising note, topping the group in September after securing four points by drawing with Zimbabwe and defeating Namibia.
However, back-to-back losses to Cameroon dealt a major blow to their aspirations, increasing the pressure on the team as they approach these decisive matches.
Despite the setbacks, Akumu remains hopeful and determined. “It is difficult, but this is football,” he stated.
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12:13 - 09.11.2024
Harambee Stars: 6 notable absentees from Engin Firat's squad for must-win 2025 AFCON qualifiers
Engin Firat named his Harambee Stars squad for the must-win November 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Namibia and Zimbabwe but who are the big names that missed out?
“People have already written us off, but we still have two games to play. Anything is possible. We want to win both our matches, and that can happen if we give 100 percent. We will do our best, and I believe we can qualify.”
Akumu acknowledged the increased pressure following their losses to Cameroon but credited the team’s coach for helping them refocus.
“The coach told us that in football, this happens, and he immediately started preparing us for these upcoming games. Once everyone is here and settled, we’ll see how ready we are. Our focus is on winning both games, and we believe we can do it.”
Akumu also had a message for the fans, urging them to rally behind the team as they fight for AFCON qualification.
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13:00 - 11.11.2024
Harambee Stars land in South Africa ahead of must-win Namibia, Zimbabwe AFCON 2025 qualifying fixtures
Harambee Stars land in South Africa ahead of their two must-win AFCON 2025 qualifying fixtures against Namibia and Zimbabwe.
“They need to support up. They should not lose hope in us. We will give our best as always.
“Before these qualifiers, we had good preparations. Took part in friendly matches, and although we lost some, we also won others. We were looking forward to taking those performances to the qualifiers.
"Some results were not in our favor, but we move on and we pick the positives from those defeats to fuel us to do well this time round.”
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