The road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is turning out to be a tumultuous journey for Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars. After early signs of promise, the team now faces a daunting task to revive their hopes following consecutive defeats to Cameroon. Engin Firat, the team’s head coach, is urging fans to rally behind the squad, not only through support but also with prayer, in hopes that divine intervention can help their dwindling qualification chances.
In a campaign that began with optimism, Kenya now sits in a precarious position in Group J, with only two matches remaining against Zimbabwe and Namibia. Firat remains steadfast, determined to fight until the last whistle in the remaining fixtures. He has appealed to fans and players alike to keep believing despite the setbacks, stating that the team’s journey, though fraught with difficulties, is not over yet.
Setbacks Against Cameroon
Harambee Stars entered the qualifiers full of ambition, aiming to secure one of the coveted spots at the continental tournament. The campaign started on a solid note with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe and an encouraging 2-1 victory over Namibia. These results propelled Kenya to the top of the group alongside tournament favorites Cameroon, raising hopes of a smooth path to AFCON. However, what followed were two grueling matches against the Indomitable Lions that left Kenya struggling to stay in contention.
In Douala, Kenya suffered a heavy 4-1 loss, exposing gaps in both defense and attack. Cameroon’s superior experience and composure proved overwhelming, sending the Harambee Stars crashing to their first defeat of the campaign. When the two teams met again in Kampala—Kenya’s designated home venue due to stadium constraints—the situation barely improved. A narrow 1-0 defeat compounded Kenya’s woes, dropping them to third place in the group standings with just four points.
These back-to-back losses have put the team’s hopes of qualifying for AFCON 2025 in jeopardy. Firat acknowledged the challenges posed by facing Cameroon but emphasized that the focus must shift to the remaining fixtures. “We have faced one of the strongest teams on the continent, but the qualification is not over yet,” Firat insisted.
A Call for Unity and Prayer
With Kenya’s fate no longer entirely in their hands, Firat has turned to unconventional means to inspire hope. In an impassioned plea, he called upon the nation to come together in prayer. “I want to ask Kenyans around the country to pray for us. The qualification campaign is not in our hands now, but we cannot give up at this stage,” he expressed.
The head coach believes that faith and support from the fans could provide the necessary boost for the team to overcome the odds. While some might view this spiritual appeal as a sign of desperation, Firat insists it reflects his unyielding belief that anything is possible in football. He is determined to keep fighting, regardless of the difficulties, and urged his players to embrace the same mentality.
“We will continue to fight for the ticket until the end of the group matches in November. I know my players are fighters, and with the support of the fans, we will try to achieve the qualification,” Firat said.
Tough Competition in Group J
Kenya’s campaign has been further complicated by Zimbabwe’s resurgence. After a sluggish start, Zimbabwe has found their rhythm, winning consecutive matches against Namibia to leapfrog Kenya into second place. With eight points, Zimbabwe is now firmly in the running for AFCON qualification, leaving Kenya four points adrift.
Namibia, initially seen as strong contenders after their participation in the 2023 AFCON, have struggled to make an impact in the qualifiers. The Namibians have yet to register a single point, a surprising turn of events that has added a layer of unpredictability to the group dynamics. Firat admitted that Namibia’s poor performance came as a surprise, disrupting Kenya’s calculations for qualification.
“At the start of the campaign, no one thought that Namibia would lose every match, but now that’s the reality of our group. Zimbabwe’s victories have put us in a tough position, but we need to focus on what’s in our control,” he reflected.
A Critical November Awaits
With only two matches left in the group stage, Kenya faces a steep challenge. Their next encounter will be against Zimbabwe on November 11th, followed by a showdown with Namibia on November 19th. These matches are not only crucial for Kenya’s hopes but could also determine the final shape of Group J.
Kenya must secure victories in both matches and hope that other results fall in their favor to stand a chance of qualifying. However, Firat emphasized that the team must take things step by step, focusing first on the Zimbabwe game before thinking about Namibia. “We need to go to Zimbabwe with a clear plan and give everything we have. After that, we will turn our attention to Namibia,” he said.
The coach remains optimistic despite the challenges, believing that the players have what it takes to pull off a remarkable comeback. “We had set the target to qualify, and the target is still there. It’s not going to be easy, but if we win our remaining matches, we still have a chance. Football is unpredictable, and anything can happen,” Firat added.
The Task Ahead: What Kenya Needs to Qualify
Kenya’s path to AFCON qualification is now precariously balanced on several factors. With Cameroon sitting comfortably at the top of the group, Kenya must outperform Zimbabwe in the remaining matches and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere. Achieving six points from the final two games is non-negotiable if they want to keep their hopes alive.
However, even with maximum points, Kenya’s fate may depend on Zimbabwe dropping points in their other remaining fixture. The team will need to take out their calculators and follow the other group results closely, knowing that a single unexpected outcome could alter the entire picture.
Firat has emphasized the importance of staying focused and not being discouraged by the challenges. “Our job is to perform on the pitch. We must keep fighting and stay positive. The situation is tough, but nothing is impossible,” he stressed.
The Road Ahead: A Test of Character
For Harambee Stars, the next few weeks will not only test their footballing abilities but also their character and resolve. The journey to AFCON qualification has become a test of endurance, resilience, and unity. While the odds may seem stacked against them, the spirit of the players and the support of the fans will play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Engin Firat’s appeal for prayer reflects the emotional toll that the campaign has taken on the team. It also highlights the emotional investment that comes with representing the hopes of an entire nation. As Kenya prepares for its final push in November, the focus will be on maintaining belief, staying united, and giving their all on the field.
With two decisive matches ahead, Kenya’s hopes hang by a thread, but in football, miracles can and do happen. Firat and his team will be hoping that the football gods smile upon them as they embark on what could be the defining moments of their AFCON 2025 journey.
Whether or not the Harambee Stars manage to qualify, the campaign has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments of joy, disappointment, and hope. The journey is far from over, and as the final chapter unfolds in November, Kenya will be watching closely, praying for a miracle.
