As the Harambee Stars gear up for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe on September 4, 2025, coach Engin Firat finds himself grappling with significant selection challenges. The match, scheduled to be played in Uganda due to Kenya’s ongoing stadium approval issues, has already placed considerable pressure on the team. Now, the unavailability of several key foreign-based players threatens to complicate Firat’s preparations even further.
One of the most concerning absences is that of Denmark-based defender Daniel Anyembe. The Viborg FF defender has been a consistent presence in his club’s lineup, most recently playing the full 90 minutes in Viborg’s 3-2 loss to AaB. Despite his regular appearances at the club level, Firat has confirmed that Anyembe will not be available for the Zimbabwe match due to an ongoing injury. This announcement has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, given Anyembe’s apparent fitness during club matches.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, Firat shed light on the situation, revealing that Anyembe’s injury is one of several problems affecting the availability of Kenya’s foreign-based contingent. “We have invited our foreign-based players, and already we are experiencing some problems with their availability,” Firat explained. “Anyembe will not be available again. Masoud Juma has not started training, while Ayub Timbe has not been playing for some time due to a lack of a club. We will certainly be limited offensively and inexperienced.”
Masoud Juma, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia, is another major concern for Firat. The forward has been sidelined with a severe Achilles tendon injury since the beginning of the year. Juma underwent surgery to repair the injury, which forced him to miss Kenya’s recent international fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Despite initial hopes for his recovery, Juma has yet to return to full fitness, and his absence will leave a significant void in Kenya’s attacking options.
The situation is further complicated by the unavailability of Ayub Timbe, another key player in the Harambee Stars lineup. Timbe has been without a club since parting ways with Azerbaijani side FK Sabail, a situation that has severely impacted his match fitness. Although Timbe recently signed a two-year deal with Turkish second-division side Ankaraspor Kulubu, he is unlikely to be in peak condition for the Zimbabwe qualifier. Firat’s admission that the team will be “limited offensively and inexperienced” underscores the challenges that lie ahead.
Beyond the individual player issues, Firat is also contending with the broader logistical challenge of playing what is technically a “home” game on foreign soil. The match against Zimbabwe will be held in Uganda because Kenya does not currently have a FIFA-approved stadium capable of hosting international fixtures. This is the second time in recent months that the Harambee Stars have been forced to play away from home, following their World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi, which were hosted in Malawi.
“It is not what we expected,” Firat admitted, expressing his frustration with the situation. “We have played just one game at home since the FIFA ban was lifted. It is psychologically tough for the players, but we shall do our best to try and handle it.” The lack of a true home advantage adds another layer of difficulty to what is already a high-pressure situation for the Harambee Stars.
Despite these challenges, Firat remains focused on preparing the squad as best as he can. The coach will need to rely heavily on the remaining players, particularly those with experience in international competitions, to step up and fill the gaps left by the absent stars. With key players missing, the onus will be on the likes of captain Michael Olunga and midfield maestro Kenneth Muguna to lead by example and inspire the team to overcome the odds.
The match against Zimbabwe is crucial for Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. A positive result would not only boost their chances of securing a spot in the tournament but also help restore confidence among the players and fans alike. However, the task ahead is daunting, and Firat will need to carefully manage his squad to navigate the challenges posed by injuries, inexperience, and the lack of a home-ground advantage.
In the lead-up to the match, Firat’s primary focus will likely be on building a cohesive and resilient team spirit. With several key players unavailable, the importance of unity and collective effort cannot be overstated. The Harambee Stars have shown in the past that they can rise to the occasion when their backs are against the wall, and Firat will be hoping for a similar display of determination and grit against Zimbabwe.
As the countdown to the match continues, Kenyan football fans will be watching closely to see how Firat and his team handle these challenges. The outcome of the Zimbabwe qualifier could have significant implications for Kenya’s future in international football, and the Harambee Stars will need to give their all to secure a positive result.
Ultimately, while the situation is far from ideal, it also presents an opportunity for lesser-known players to step up and make their mark on the international stage. Firat will be hoping that the adversity his team faces will bring out the best in them, leading to a memorable performance and a crucial victory in their quest for Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
