Kenya’s Harambee Stars face Namibia in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with both teams aiming to end disappointing campaigns on a high. While the match carries no bearing on qualification, it holds significant value for pride and morale, particularly for a Kenyan side looking to break a five-match winless streak.
Kenya began their qualification journey on a promising note, earning four points from their first two games. However, subsequent heavy defeats to Cameroon and a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe dashed their hopes of making it to AFCON for the third consecutive edition. The results exposed glaring weaknesses in the squad, particularly in front of goal, which coach Engin Firat has admitted is a pressing issue.
The Turkish tactician views the Namibia clash as an opportunity to rebuild confidence and experiment with new player combinations. Kenya’s all-time leading scorer, Michael Olunga, will be central to Firat’s plans, provided he is fit. Despite his struggles against Zimbabwe, Olunga remains a vital attacking outlet and a leader on the field. His potential partnership with Jonah Ayunga, who recently scored his first goal for the national team, offers a glimmer of hope for Kenya’s offense. Ayunga’s physical presence and ability to create space in the box could complement Olunga’s finishing prowess, giving Kenya a chance to rediscover their scoring touch.
Defensively, Kenya must improve significantly after conceding 10 goals in their last six outings. Namibia, who have shown resilience in recent matches, will aim to exploit these vulnerabilities. Namibia’s Peter Shalulile, their all-time leading scorer, is a key figure in their attack and will be motivated to deliver a strong performance as he earns his 60th cap. His experience and skill make him a constant threat, particularly against a Kenyan defense that has struggled with organization and discipline.
Namibia’s qualification campaign has been equally underwhelming, marked by three defeats and two draws. However, a spirited goalless draw against group leaders Cameroon highlighted their potential. Coach Collin Benjamin will look to build on that performance, emphasizing defensive stability and clinical finishing to secure a positive result against Kenya. Namibia’s backline, which managed to frustrate Cameroon, is expected to remain unchanged, offering a solid foundation for the team.
The midfield battle will likely be crucial in determining the game’s outcome. Kenya’s Richard Odada and his counterparts will need to step up, providing creative sparks and linking effectively with the forwards. Namibia, on the other hand, will rely on their experienced campaigners to dictate the tempo and disrupt Kenya’s rhythm. With both teams struggling to score in recent games, dominance in midfield could tip the scales in favor of the side that capitalizes on its chances.
Beyond the tactical and individual aspects, this encounter is about redemption and pride. Both Kenya and Namibia are aware of the importance of ending their campaigns with a morale-boosting win. Such a result could positively impact their FIFA rankings and set the tone for future competitions. For Kenya, hosting the 2027 AFCON presents an additional motivation to improve, as a strong showing in that tournament will be essential for national pride and football development.
The clash promises to be a tightly contested affair. Kenya’s desperation to end their winless run could provide the extra push needed to secure a result, while Namibia’s confidence from recent defensive resilience may prove decisive. As both sides battle for pride and redemption, the game is set to offer an engaging spectacle for fans and an opportunity for players to leave everything on the field.
