Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat faces significant challenges as Kenya prepares for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe. The match, set to take place at the Peter Makoba Stadium, is a must-win for Kenya to keep their slim qualification hopes alive. Despite Kenya’s positive results against Zimbabwe earlier this year, Firat has identified two major concerns: the team’s offensive struggles and the immense pressure surrounding this high-stakes encounter.
A primary worry for Firat is Kenya’s finishing, particularly in the absence of key players Ayub Timbe and Masoud Juma. Both players have been sidelined with long-term injuries, depriving the team of crucial creativity and firepower. Timbe, who last featured in the squad during World Cup qualifiers in June, has been out of action due to an ankle injury. Juma, on the other hand, is recovering from a serious Achilles tendon injury sustained in January. Their absence has left Kenya searching for alternative solutions to enhance their attacking threat.
Scoring has been a persistent issue for Kenya, with Firat acknowledging that the team’s struggles in front of goal stem from a lack of quality in the attacking department. The coaching staff has been working on tactical adjustments to compensate for the missing players. Firat remains optimistic that these strategies will bear fruit during the critical clash on Friday.
Adding to the challenge is the immense pressure both teams face in this decisive match. The stakes are high for both sides, and Firat has emphasized the importance of mental resilience and composure. He believes that the outcome will hinge on which team manages to handle the pressure better. Kenya’s recent performances have been promising, with victories over Zimbabwe earlier this year in the Malawi Four Nations Tournament and the COSAFA Cup. However, their goalless draw in Kampala during the first leg of the Group J qualifiers highlighted the team’s difficulty in breaking down strong defenses.
Firat has expressed particular concern about Zimbabwe’s playing style, noting their speed and effectiveness in transition. He expects Zimbabwe to adopt a deep defensive setup, which will require Kenya to take calculated risks to secure the victory they need. The tactical challenge is further compounded by the match venue, which is located just 200 kilometers from the Zimbabwean border. A significant turnout of Zimbabwean fans is anticipated, creating an intense atmosphere that could test Kenya’s resolve.
Despite these obstacles, Firat views the hostile environment as an opportunity for his players to prove their mettle. He believes that playing under such pressure can reveal the team’s character and preparedness for future challenges. Firat and his technical bench are determined to ensure that the players remain focused on their objectives and execute their game plan effectively.
As the Harambee Stars gear up for this pivotal encounter, Firat’s focus is on addressing the two primary challenges: improving the team’s offensive performance and ensuring composure under pressure. While the absence of key players and the weight of expectation present significant hurdles, the coach remains hopeful that his team can rise to the occasion and keep their AFCON 2025 dream alive.
