The Harambee Stars face a challenging task as they gear up for their final Group J match in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Namibia. Set to be played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa, the clash carries no stakes for qualification, with both teams already out of contention for next year’s tournament in Morocco. However, the match offers an opportunity for both sides to end their campaigns on a positive note.
Kenya’s preparation has been marred by injuries to key players, leaving head coach Engin Firat grappling with a limited squad. Among the notable absentees is assistant captain Joseph Okumu, who sustained a groin injury during Kenya’s 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe. The Stade de Reims defender has returned to his club for treatment to avoid aggravating the injury. This marks another setback for Okumu, who has struggled with fitness issues this season, including a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to adductor pain.
Adding to the woes is the suspension of Amos Nondi, a vital midfield presence who picked up his second yellow card in the qualifiers during the match against Zimbabwe. The Ararat-Armenia player’s suspension leaves a void in the midfield, forcing Firat to explore alternative options for the game against Namibia.
Meanwhile, captain and top scorer Michael Olunga is doubtful after missing training on Sunday due to injury. Olunga, who plays for Al Duhail, has been a key figure for Kenya in the qualifiers but was unable to find the back of the net in the match against Zimbabwe. His potential absence adds to the coach’s selection headache as Kenya seeks to close their campaign on a high note.
Despite a promising start to their qualification journey, Kenya’s campaign faltered midway. They earned four points from their first two matches, a win against Zimbabwe and a draw against Namibia, raising hopes of a return to the AFCON stage for the first time since 2019. However, back-to-back losses to Cameroon in October proved costly, leaving them with slim chances of advancing. Last Friday’s draw with Zimbabwe confirmed their elimination, marking the third consecutive time Kenya has failed to qualify for the tournament.
Coach Firat remains determined to use the match against Namibia as a stepping stone for the future. With no replacement called up for the injured Okumu and the suspended Nondi, Firat aims to give fringe players a chance to prove themselves. The availability of Richard Odada, a midfielder from Dundee United, provides some reassurance as Kenya looks to build momentum for upcoming competitions.
Firat sees the clash as an opportunity to evaluate the squad and lay the groundwork for future campaigns. The match will also serve as a platform for emerging talents to stake their claim for a place in the team. For a squad that showed glimpses of potential earlier in the qualifiers, the Namibia game represents a chance to rebuild confidence and end the campaign with a win.
Namibia, on the other hand, will be motivated to exploit Kenya’s weakened lineup. Like Kenya, they will approach the game as a chance to regroup and reflect on their qualification journey. Although the Brave Warriors have also fallen short of their goal, the match provides an opportunity to give their fans a strong performance and end their campaign on a high.
For both teams, this encounter is more than just a formality. It offers a chance to rebuild and reignite hope for the future. With the pressure of qualification off their shoulders, Kenya and Namibia will focus on demonstrating their resilience and setting the stage for better performances in upcoming competitions.
