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Kenya will face Zimbabwe in a match they must win to stay in contention for AFCON 2025 qualification but the numbers suggest Harambee Stars have an upper hand.
Harambee Stars will take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe in what is a must-win 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in South Africa on Friday November 15 and there is reason to be hopeful.
Kenya need to beat both Zimbabwe and Namibia four days later, while hoping the Warriors do not win against Cameroon in their final qualifier, to join the Indomitable Lions at AFCON 2025.
It is a big ask for coach Engin Firat and his men but the numbers suggest Kenya should be optimistic of getting three points even if Zimbabwe have been on the up.
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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?
Zimbabwe are unbeaten in the qualifiers after back-to-back draws with Kenya and Cameroon were followed by two wins past Namibia to take them to second place on the table on eight points, while Kenya are four behind, after a draw and win were followed by two defeats to the Indomitable Lions.
However, there is every reason to be hopeful in the Kenyan camp given Zimbabwe are one of the opponents which they have a good record against.
This is because in 12 meetings against Zimbabwe, dating back to 1982, Kenya have only lost once, winning six times while drawing five matches.
Kenya’s last defeat to Zimbabwe came in 1985, when they went down 2-0 and since then, they have won four while drawing as many. In their last six meetings, Kenya have won four while drawing two.
This month’s match will be the third time Kenya and Zimbabwe are facing off after their first meeting in March when Harambee Stars came from a goal down to win 3-1 courtesy of captain Michael Olunga’s hat-trick in the Four Nations tournament.
With Olunga and a host of other big hitters missing in their 2025 AFCON qualifier in September, Firat opted for a defensive approach, playing without a recognised striker, as Kenya failed to assert themselves on Zimbabwe to secure a goalless draw.
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10:50 - 06.11.2024
AFCON 2025 qualifiers: How Zimbabwe fans plan to outnumber Kenyan support in Polokwane
Zimbabwe fans are rallying to support their team in a crucial AFCON qualifier against Kenya in Polokwane, with sponsorships and passionate efforts to create a "home" atmosphere abroad.
It is an approach that Firat might come to rue as had his team been adventurous and won, they would be heading into Friday’s match with two points more but he now has to go all-out and attack at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
However, Firat and his charges will be counting on their impressive record to give them motivation and a win will see them heading into the clash against Namibia high on confidence.
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