Michael Olunga’s impressive form in the lead-up to Kenya’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia has given Harambee Stars fans plenty of reasons to feel hopeful. The striker, who is currently on fire for his club Al Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, has scored in his last five matches and is joint top of the league’s scoring chart with eight goals. His recent goal-scoring exploits have been critical in Al Duhail’s rise to the top of the league, where they currently hold a four-point lead.
Olunga’s remarkable run of form has made him the most in-form player in the Harambee Stars setup, and his confidence is at an all-time high. This is especially important as Kenya prepares to face Zimbabwe at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, followed by a clash with Namibia four days later. The upcoming matches are must-win for the Harambee Stars if they are to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for AFCON 2025.
Olunga’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. His ability to find the back of the net has been a consistent feature of his career, and he now brings that quality to the national team. Kenya’s attack has often relied on his clinical finishing, and with Olunga in such good form, coach Engin Firat will be hoping that the striker can carry his club form into the international arena.
Kenya’s AFCON qualifying campaign has been a challenging one, with the team needing to secure victories against both Zimbabwe and Namibia to stand any chance of qualification. However, the team has shown moments of promise, and Olunga’s form is a positive factor that can propel them toward the necessary results. Zimbabwe and Namibia will have to deal with the threat posed by the Kenyan striker, especially given his history with the Zimbabwean national team.
Olunga’s previous encounter with Zimbabwe saw him net a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory for Kenya during the Four Nations tournament in March. The striker’s performance in that match was a reminder of his ability to dominate in key fixtures. His absence in the goalless draw between the two sides in September left a gap in Kenya’s attack, but with Olunga back in the squad, Zimbabwe will be fully aware of the threat he poses.
Additionally, Olunga’s experience playing in the Qatar Stars League against top opposition has sharpened his skills, and his time in the competitive environment of Middle Eastern football has made him an even more dangerous player. His performances in Qatar have been consistent, and his ability to score against some of the best teams in the league demonstrates his versatility and tactical awareness, qualities that are crucial in international matches.
The challenge for Kenya, however, goes beyond Olunga’s individual performances. The team needs to come together as a unit, working cohesively to achieve the necessary results. While Olunga can provide the firepower, the rest of the squad must deliver the support, ensuring that the team plays with balance and structure. Coach Firat will need to find the right combinations and instill confidence in his players, as the team faces two teams they can realistically beat if they perform at their best.
Zimbabwe and Namibia will certainly be targeting Kenya’s weaknesses, but they will also need to account for Olunga’s sharp form. Zimbabwe, in particular, will need to carefully manage the threat of the Kenyan striker, as Olunga has proven to be a difference-maker in important games.
Kenya’s recent setbacks, such as their back-to-back losses to Cameroon, have shown that there is still work to be done to reach the level required to compete at the continental stage. Olunga did score in the 4-1 defeat to Cameroon, but his missed opportunities in the return match left a sense of frustration. The key for Kenya in the upcoming qualifiers will be to maintain their focus and ensure that they convert chances, with Olunga leading the charge.
The national team’s task in these qualifiers is clear: win both matches and hope for favorable results elsewhere. While this is no easy feat, the presence of Michael Olunga in such fine form offers Kenya a glimmer of hope. If Olunga can continue his hot streak and lead from the front, there’s a good chance that the Harambee Stars can secure the victories they need to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Zimbabwe and Namibia should be worried about facing a determined and in-form Olunga, who will be looking to add more goals to his tally and help Kenya achieve their qualification goal.
