Harambee Stars will face Zimbabwe in an AFCON 2025 qualifier in South Africa on Friday and here is all you need to know about the match and how to catch the action in Polokwane.
Harambee Stars begin their final push to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they face Zimbabwe in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday evening.
Kenya have their backs against the wall as they must win their two remaining matches and still hope that results elsewhere go their way for a place at the continental tournament in Morocco.
Engin Firat’s men head into the qualifiers on four points in Group J with their hosts on eight, three behind the already qualified Cameroon.
14:40 - 13.11.2024
Engin Firat outlines tactical approach for Kenya's must-win AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia
Engin Firat reveals tactical approach ahead of must-win AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia
Zimbabwe therefore need just a draw from their match against Kenya to seal qualification to AFCON 2025 while Kenya must win and then floor Namibia next Tuesday while waiting to see if the Warriors will fail to get a point against Cameroon to seal their ticket.
It is a complicated situation for Harambee Stars but it is where they are after Firat’s decision to employ a defensive approach against the Warriors came back to bite them, having secured a goalless draw in Kampala in September.
Time and where to watch?
The match will kick off at 7pm Kenyan time at the Peter Mokaba Stadium and will be live on KBC TV where Kenyans can watch at no cost.
05:32 - 12.11.2024
Michael Olunga: Five goals in his last five games, should Zimbabwe & Namibia be worried?
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga comes into the November AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia in fine form which should give coach Engin Firat plenty of hope.
For Pay-TV, the match will be live on Azam TV on the Azam Sports 3 channel.
Form guide
Zimbabwe are unbeaten in the qualifiers after back-to-back draws with Kenya and Cameroon were followed by two wins past Namibia while Kenya started with a draw, then a win, followed by two defeats to the Indomitable Lions.
Head-to-head
Kenya have every reason to be hopeful as Zimbabwe are one of the opponents who they have a good record against.
In 12 matches between the two, dating back to 1982, Kenya have only lost once, winning six times while drawing five.
06:00 - 11.11.2024
Zimbabwe vs Kenya: Stats that give Harambee Stars hope ahead of must-win 2025 AFCON qualifier
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.
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.