Kenya’s Harambee Stars have suffered a major setback after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team’s campaign ended in a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Polokwane City, leaving them third in their group and out of the running for a spot in the continental tournament.
Michael Olunga, the Harambee Stars captain, expressed deep disappointment over the team’s failure to make it through the qualifiers. Speaking candidly, Olunga admitted that the result was difficult for the players and technical team to accept. Despite giving their all, the Stars fell short of their goal.
“It is a difficult moment for all of us to process at this time,” Olunga said. “We are all disappointed that we could not finish on a high despite trying our best.”
The forward stressed the importance of collective responsibility, urging both players and the management team to focus on reflection rather than pointing fingers. He emphasized that the campaign’s shortcomings could serve as valuable lessons for the future.
“This is not the time to apportion blame but to reflect and identify where we went wrong to ensure future assignments don’t end in disappointment like this,” he remarked.
One of the defining moments of the campaign was the team’s consecutive losses to Cameroon. Olunga explained that while Cameroon were the group favorites, even securing a single point from those matches could have drastically altered their chances.
“If you look at our group, we only lost two matches back-to-back, and that was against Cameroon. Though Cameroon were the clear favorites, had we picked one point against them, we would have had a realistic chance of qualifying,” he noted.
Another challenge highlighted by Olunga was the lack of home matches for the team. Due to the absence of suitable stadiums in Kenya, Harambee Stars have been unable to host games locally for three years, relying instead on foreign venues. Olunga underscored the significance of home-ground advantage, acknowledging that it could have positively impacted the team’s performance.
“Playing at home is obviously a big motivation factor,” he explained. “While we don’t want to use this as an excuse, it makes a difference. We should all work towards ensuring that we have stadiums ready.”
To address this issue, Olunga called on the government and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to prioritize the development of sports infrastructure. He urged stakeholders to collaborate and create an environment where the team could thrive in future competitions.
Reflecting on the campaign as a whole, Olunga remained optimistic about the future of Kenyan football. He encouraged unity and a commitment to addressing the gaps that led to the team’s underwhelming performance, calling it essential for growth and improved results in upcoming assignments.
“We need to address the gaps we’ve identified in this campaign,” he said. “This will be crucial for the growth of the team and for us to achieve better results in upcoming assignments.”
Although the failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 is a bitter pill to swallow, Olunga’s sentiments reflect a clear path forward. By focusing on reflection, unity, and investment in infrastructure, Harambee Stars can build a stronger foundation for success in future tournaments. The captain’s rallying call is a reminder that while setbacks are painful, they also offer valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
