Harambee Stars’ journey to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) began on a disappointing note with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in their opening match. Staged at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, Kenya’s national football team struggled to assert dominance, leaving fans with more questions than answers. Here are six crucial lessons learned from the drab draw that highlights the challenges Harambee Stars face in their pursuit of AFCON qualification.
1. Coach Engin Firat Running Out of Excuses
Harambee Stars’ head coach Engin Firat, who took over the team in October 2021, has faced numerous challenges, including a FIFA suspension and limited financial support. However, after two years at the helm, Firat has yet to deliver significant progress. Kenya’s poor performance in the opening AFCON qualifier brings Firat’s tactics and decisions under scrutiny once again.
The coach’s post-match comments raised eyebrows when he pointed to Kenya’s lack of international-quality forwards. Yet, Firat benched Benson Omala, Jonah Ayunga, and John Avire, all of whom could have contributed to solving the offensive problems. Firat admitted, “What we saw today is that we do not have many players in the offensive department.” With a meager two competitive wins against Seychelles and Rwanda under his belt, Firat’s excuses are running thin.
2. Home Support Crucial for AFCON Success
Winning home games is critical for any team seeking AFCON qualification, given the logistical challenges of playing away in Africa. However, Kenya’s “home” game against Zimbabwe was staged in Uganda due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in Kenya. The absence of local supporters further complicated matters for Harambee Stars, as they missed the crucial backing that often energizes teams in home fixtures.
The draw against Zimbabwe now puts Kenya in a precarious position, as they must secure wins or at least draws away from home to keep their AFCON hopes alive. Interestingly, fellow group teams Namibia and Zimbabwe also face similar challenges, having to play their home games in neutral venues. This means that most matches will be on neutral grounds, emphasizing the need for the Stars to adapt quickly to such conditions.
3. Lack of Clear Tactical Philosophy
One glaring issue that stood out in Harambee Stars’ draw against Zimbabwe was the lack of a coherent tactical philosophy. The team struggled to maintain possession, string passes together, or create clear scoring chances. Kenya only managed three attempts on goal, with just one on target, while also committing 13 fouls—more than double Zimbabwe’s count of five.
The lack of fluid play and constant turnovers suggested a team playing without a clear game plan. Commentators even noted extended periods of silence due to the match’s uneventful nature. Without a solid tactical approach, Kenya’s chances of competing against stronger African teams in the AFCON qualifiers seem slim.
4. Questionable Player Selections
Coach Firat’s player selection choices raised significant concerns during the match. Despite missing key players like Michael Olunga, Firat opted to start midfielder Eric Johana as the team’s central forward. Johana, who last scored for the national team in 2018, is not a natural striker, and his lack of goals in recent years showed in his underwhelming performance.
Striker John Avire, who has been lively in recent appearances for Harambee Stars, was benched for most of the game, only being introduced after 68 minutes. Similarly, Ayunga, called up from Scotland, has yet to see significant playing time under Firat. The decision to leave goal-scoring options like Omala and Ayunga on the bench raises questions about the coach’s judgment and strategy for future matches.
5. AFCON Qualification Already a Long Shot
With five more games remaining in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, Kenya’s road to qualification is still open, but the draw against Zimbabwe makes it a tough challenge. Despite 24 teams qualifying for the tournament, Kenya has only qualified for two AFCON tournaments in the last 20 years. In contrast, Zimbabwe has made it to five AFCON tournaments in the same period, despite being ranked lower than Kenya.
On paper, Kenya appeared to have the stronger squad going into the match against Zimbabwe, but the team failed to capitalize on their talent. Zimbabwe, still reeling from a FIFA suspension that ended in 2024, presented an opportunity for Kenya to secure a win. Yet, the lackluster performance suggests that Harambee Stars will need significant improvement to compete for a spot in AFCON 2025.
6. Sylvester Owino Shines Despite the Draw
Amid the disappointment of the match, there was one bright spot for Harambee Stars—Sylvester Owino. The Gor Mahia defender made his national team debut and delivered a solid performance alongside Joseph Okumu. Owino’s composure and defensive abilities helped Kenya avoid conceding a goal, and his potential to become a key figure for Harambee Stars was on full display.
Owino’s rise has been steady since his transfer from Kakamega Homeboyz to Gor Mahia, and his debut for the national team shows that he is ready to step up to the next level. If his trajectory continues, Owino could soon attract interest from clubs outside of Kenya, following in the footsteps of other top defenders the country has produced.
Conclusion: Harambee Stars Must Improve to Keep AFCON Hopes Alive
The goalless draw against Zimbabwe in the opening AFCON 2025 qualifier exposed several areas that Harambee Stars need to address if they hope to qualify for the tournament. Engin Firat’s team must quickly resolve issues related to tactics, player selection, and offensive strategy to remain competitive in their group. With tough away fixtures on the horizon, Harambee Stars will need to show significant improvement in future games to keep their AFCON dreams alive.
As fans reflect on the six key lessons from the match, one thing is clear: Kenya must find a way to turn their potential into results. While Sylvester Owino’s debut was a positive takeaway, the overall performance leaves much to be desired. Only time will tell if Firat can guide Harambee Stars to their first AFCON qualification in over a decade.
