Bob Oyugi has outlined a tactical strategy for Harambee Stars as they approach two crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia. The Kenyan national football team is facing a must-win situation if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2025 tournament in Morocco. Oyugi, a former coach of Gor Mahia, has emphasized the importance of a tactical masterclass by head coach Engin Firat if the team is to overcome the odds and achieve their goal.
The pressure is mounting for Harambee Stars, as the two upcoming fixtures are seen as their last opportunity to secure qualification. Both games will be played in Polokwane, South Africa, and the Stars need to win both matches while hoping that Cameroon, already qualified, does them a favor by defeating second-placed Zimbabwe.
Oyugi believes that the key to success lies in the players expressing themselves freely, playing with confidence, and maintaining a balanced team structure. He stressed that coach Firat should focus on proper integration of the defensive, midfield, and attacking units, ensuring that the team remains solid in defense while also creating enough attacking opportunities. According to Oyugi, the players should approach the matches with the mindset that they have nothing to lose, which could allow them to perform at their best without the burden of pressure.
He also noted that one of Kenya’s greatest strengths is their unpredictability. In the past, the Harambee Stars have shown that they are capable of beating top teams like Cameroon one day, but also losing to lower-ranked teams the next. This dynamic nature gives Kenya an edge, as the opposition might struggle to predict how the team will perform. With players like Eric Ouma, who is known for his natural talent and flair, Kenya can pose a significant threat to any team, provided they are able to harness that unpredictability and play with cohesion.
However, Oyugi also tempered his optimism, acknowledging that Kenya’s path to qualification is highly unlikely given their recent results, especially the two losses to Cameroon. These defeats have put a dent in their hopes, but the former international coach believes that, in football, anything is possible. If coach Firat fields a strong, motivated team and the players are aware of the stakes, Kenya could still pull off victories in both games. Additionally, if Cameroon can secure a win over Zimbabwe, it would open the door for Kenya to potentially leapfrog Zimbabwe and claim second place in the group, thus earning a spot in the tournament.
The team has been bolstered by the inclusion of players like Brian Bwire and Daniel Sakari, who joined the squad ahead of the matches. Their presence will add depth to the squad and provide more options for Firat to work with as he prepares for the must-win encounters.
Despite the uphill battle, Oyugi remains hopeful that the team’s natural ability and the unpredictability of football could still lead to a positive outcome. If the players approach the matches with determination, a strong team effort, and the right balance between defense and attack, Kenya could still have a chance of qualifying, provided other results go in their favor.
As the Harambee Stars prepare for these crucial games, the spotlight is on coach Firat to deliver a tactical performance that could see Kenya defy the odds and secure a place in the 2025 AFCON.
