Kenya’s Harambee Stars face a significant challenge as they aim to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco, set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Former Kenya international Elijah Onsika has highlighted Cameroon as the team most likely to pose a threat to Kenya’s ambitions.
The Draw
The draw for the 35th edition of the biennial Africa showpiece was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kenya has been placed in Group J alongside the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. This marks a return to the qualifiers for Kenya, who missed out on the 2023 edition held in Ivory Coast due to a FIFA-imposed suspension.
Historical Context
Kenya’s last attempt to qualify for AFCON was thwarted when they were disqualified from the 2023 qualifiers without playing a match. This was a result of an indefinite ban by FIFA due to alleged government interference in the football federation. The ban was lifted too late for Kenya to participate in the qualifiers.
The Challenge Ahead
Onsika believes that while Cameroon presents the most formidable challenge, Kenya has a favorable draw overall. “The draw is very kind for Kenya. I think even coach Engin Firat should be smiling wherever he is because he got an easy draw. With good preparations, Kenya will qualify from the group,” Onsika told SportsBoom.
Kenya’s record against Cameroon has not been the best in recent years. The last encounter between the two teams ended in a 3-1 victory for the Indomitable Lions in a FIFA friendly at Kasarani Stadium in 2010. Historically, Cameroon has often had the upper hand in matches against Kenya.
Onsika’s Optimism
Despite the historical challenges, Onsika remains optimistic. “Cameroon will find it difficult against Kenya, especially in Nairobi. They have a good record against us, and they have a more experienced squad, but looking at their recent run of results, Kenya can still spring a surprise,” he added.
Onsika emphasized the importance of Kenya aiming to top the group or at least finish second to secure qualification. “If Kenya cannot top the group, then Cameroon should top and Kenya must come second. Anything below that then Kenya will have had a disastrous campaign,” Onsika noted.
Namibia and Zimbabwe
Kenya’s record against Namibia is relatively balanced, with two wins and two losses in their last four matches. Their most recent encounter was a World Cup qualifier in 2019, where Kenya emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. Onsika believes that with a fully fit squad, Kenya should be able to handle Namibia comfortably.
Against Zimbabwe, Kenya has not lost in the last four meetings, including a 2-0 victory in the recent COSAFA Cup. This gives Kenya a psychological edge heading into the qualifiers.
Coach Firat’s Role
Onsika called on coach Engin Firat to capitalize on the opportunity and deliver qualification. “Coach Firat should not have any excuses if Kenya fails to qualify. He has quality players in the country and abroad who can do the job. He should carefully select a good squad without bias and be ready to deliver the ticket,” Onsika emphasized.
The Path Forward
Kenya will juggle AFCON qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, making it crucial for Firat to maintain consistency within the squad. Onsika urged Firat to stick with a core group of players for continuity and stability. “We need to have consistency within the national team. We should stop the habit of calling up new players every day. It sometimes brings confusion in camp and can impact the results,” Onsika concluded.
Conclusion
Kenya’s Harambee Stars have a challenging but achievable path to qualify for AFCON 2025. With a favorable draw and the right preparations, Kenya has the potential to secure a spot in Morocco. The team must navigate tough matches against Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, but with strategic planning and consistency, they can make a strong case for their inclusion in the prestigious tournament.
Kenya’s journey to AFCON 2025 begins with the qualifiers in September 2024, and the nation will be watching closely, hopeful for a return to the continental stage.
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