Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat was left seething with frustration following Kenya’s 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier. The match, played at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, saw Kenya dominate for large parts of the game but fail to find the breakthrough they desperately sought.
The Turkish tactician did not hold back in his post-match comments, heavily criticizing what he perceived to be biased officiating. Firat felt the referee’s decisions favored Zimbabwe, particularly in crucial moments that could have shifted the momentum in Kenya’s favor.
“The referee should not help to defend the team, he should look at what is going on and decide,” Firat fumed. “There were several situations where I didn’t understand his decisions, especially the fouls called against Eric Johana and what should have been a penalty for Austin Odhiambo.”
Kenya’s Home Stadium Woes
One of the underlying challenges for Kenya heading into this match was the fact that they were forced to play at a neutral venue. With no home stadium currently meeting the standards set by CAF and FIFA, Kenya had to host Zimbabwe in Uganda, away from the support of their local fans. The lack of a true home advantage undoubtedly impacted the players, although Firat was keen to ensure this didn’t become an excuse for the result.
The Group J fixture marked the start of Kenya’s quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, instead of taking the full three points, the Harambee Stars were held by a Zimbabwean side that proved tough to break down. Despite controlling the game and having more possession, Kenya’s attack lacked the cutting edge to penetrate Zimbabwe’s defense.
Missed Chances and Key Moments
Kenya’s best opportunities came early in the game, with midfielder Eric Johana and striker Austin Odhiambo both finding themselves in goal-scoring positions. However, Johana was frequently fouled, which Firat pointed out as a major source of frustration. He believed the referee should have intervened more decisively in these situations.
Perhaps the most contentious moment came in the second half when Odhiambo appeared to be brought down inside the penalty area. Firat was convinced it should have been a penalty and expressed his disbelief that the referee did not award the spot-kick.
“The referee should not be only on the side of those defending to improve football. If you look at the final minutes of the match, he was siding with Zimbabwe when they were attacking,” Firat added, clearly agitated by what he saw as inconsistent officiating.
In the final stages of the match, Zimbabwe adopted a more defensive approach, relying on counter-attacks to create their few chances. Despite their limited offensive play, they nearly snatched a late goal, but Kenya’s defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
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Firat Looks Ahead Despite Frustration
While Engin Firat’s criticism of the referee dominated his post-match interview, the coach also acknowledged his team’s shortcomings. He admitted that despite the officiating issues, Kenya needed to be sharper in front of goal.
“We need to be more aggressive and sharp in the final third. I am hopeful for better execution in the upcoming games,” Firat said, emphasizing the need for improvement. The lack of clinical finishing is something that Firat will be keen to address as Kenya continues their AFCON qualification journey.
The draw puts pressure on Harambee Stars to secure a positive result in their next fixture, as they face Namibia in a crucial Group J encounter at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. A victory against Namibia would put Kenya back on track in their pursuit of qualification for the continental tournament, but it will require a more ruthless display in front of goal.
Tough Competition in Group J
Kenya’s upcoming match against Namibia is expected to be a difficult challenge, but the group’s other heavyweights, five-time African champions Cameroon, will also be a major hurdle. Cameroon and Namibia are set to face off in their opening match at Roumde Adija Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon. Both teams are considered strong contenders for the top two spots in the group, which adds even more pressure on Kenya to deliver a strong performance in their next game.
Despite the frustrations surrounding the Zimbabwe draw, Engin Firat remains optimistic about his team’s chances. With improvements in attacking efficiency and a fair share of officiating luck, the Harambee Stars still have a fighting chance of securing a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
As the qualification campaign unfolds, Kenya’s ability to bounce back from this early setback will be crucial. Firat’s men will need to capitalize on their opportunities and maintain discipline in their next matches to stay competitive in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested Group J.
