Cardiff City defender Andy Rinomhota has issued a warning to Kenya’s Harambee Stars ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Zimbabwe on Friday. With just a point needed to secure their spot in the AFCON finals in Morocco, Zimbabwe is determined to finish the job and seal qualification in Polokwane. However, Rinomhota emphasized that Zimbabwe would not take the match lightly, despite their strong position in Group J.
The Warriors are currently second in the group, having done well in their previous games to get to this point. With a draw enough to guarantee their place in Morocco, Zimbabwe is focused on finishing the task at hand. “It’s an important match for us to qualify for the AFCON finals,” said Rinomhota. “We did good work in the previous games to be in the current position. We’re just looking to finish the job in the tie against Kenya and qualify. We want to make the fans proud.”
In contrast, Kenya faces a must-win situation. Sitting third in Group J with only four points, Harambee Stars need to win both their remaining qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia on Tuesday, November 19 to secure their spot in the tournament. Any slip-ups would likely spell the end of their AFCON journey.
Rinomhota acknowledged the challenge posed by the Kenyan side, warning that the match would not be an easy one. “It will be a tough test. We played them a few times in the past, and there were difficult games,” he said. “So we are not going to take it lightly; we will do everything we can to prepare, and the coach is giving us new ideas.” Zimbabwe’s head coach has reportedly been working on fresh tactics and strategies, aiming to surprise Kenya and secure a win rather than simply playing for a draw.
Despite their advantageous position, Zimbabwe is not taking the game for granted. The Warriors’ focus is on playing with determination to ensure a solid result, and their preparations are centered on approaching the game with the utmost seriousness. The match is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. EAT at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, a neutral venue that, while familiar to the Warriors, could provide Kenya with an opportunity to gain an edge.
Kenya, however, will need more than just a neutral venue to break Zimbabwe’s strong form. With Michael Olunga in excellent scoring form, having netted five goals in his last five matches, the Harambee Stars will be hoping to exploit any weaknesses in Zimbabwe’s defense. Olunga’s recent performances make him a key threat for Zimbabwe, who will need to be cautious about containing his attacking prowess.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, remains focused on qualifying and is fully aware of the stakes. The team’s recent strong performances give them the confidence to face Kenya with a clear intent to finish the job and secure their qualification for the 2025 AFCON. The match is sure to be high-pressure for both teams, with Zimbabwe seeking a point to confirm their place in Morocco, while Kenya fights to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
This decisive match in Polokwane promises to be a battle of tactics, with both teams highly motivated by the prospect of qualification. While Zimbabwe looks to capitalize on their position, Kenya will be pulling out all the stops in a desperate attempt to continue their AFCON journey. The atmosphere under the floodlights will be charged, with every moment of the game carrying immense significance. For both sides, the road to Morocco will be defined by the outcome of this crucial encounter.
