Kenya’s Harambee Stars will aim to end their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign on a high note as they face Namibia in their final Group J match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The clash, scheduled for 5 PM local time, offers a chance for both teams to redeem themselves in what has been a challenging campaign.
The Harambee Stars’ journey in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers began with promise but ended in heartbreak. After topping Group J in the opening rounds with a draw against Zimbabwe and a win over Namibia, their fortunes quickly turned.
Back-to-back defeats to Cameroon, coupled with Zimbabwe’s resurgence, pushed harambee stars down to third place and out of contention for the continental tournament.
The 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe last Friday sealed their fate, leaving fans and players disappointed. Coach Engin Firat, under mounting pressure, will likely use today’s match as an opportunity to salvage pride and possibly secure his position amid growing calls for change.
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Namibia, with just one point in the qualifiers, is also out of the running for AFCON 2025. However, their performances in the World Cup qualifiers suggest they are no pushovers. The Brave Warriors will also be looking to end their campaign on a positive note, making this game far from a walk in the park for Kenya.
Coach Firat acknowledged the challenge ahead, emphasizing that Namibia is a team with quality and determination. “We don’t expect an easy game,” he said in his pre-match interview. “Both teams want to finish strongly, and Namibia has shown their quality in other competitions.”
Injury Woes and Squad Changes
Harambee stars faces a tough task with key players missing. Assistant captain Joseph Okumu is sidelined after picking up an injury against Zimbabwe, while versatile midfielder Amos Nondi is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Despite these setbacks, the return of Richard Odada from suspension offers a much-needed boost in midfield.
Coach Firat may take a bold step by introducing Kenya U20 captain Amos Wanjala to fill Okumu’s defensive void. The youngster has been impressive for Kenya’s youth teams and could be a surprise addition to the senior squad.
Mental Motivation: A Key Focus
Following the disappointing draw against Zimbabwe, Firat admitted that motivating the players has been a challenge. “Friday’s game was disappointing for everyone,” he said. “The last two days have been about mental preparation and reminding the players of the targets we still have.”
This focus on mental readiness will be crucial as the Harambee Stars look to shake off the disappointment and channel their energy into securing a morale-boosting win against Namibia.
What’s at Stake for Coach Firat?
Today’s match could potentially mark the end of Firat’s tenure as harambee star’s head coach. With fans and pundits questioning his tactics and results, a strong performance against Namibia could provide some respite. Firat’s ability to nurture young talent, as seen in the inclusion of emerging players like Wanjala, may also play a role in shaping his future with the team.
Namibia’s Perspective
Namibia’s coach has also highlighted the importance of the match, despite it being a dead-rubber clash. For the Brave Warriors, this game represents an opportunity to end their campaign on a high and build momentum for future tournaments.
Key Players to Watch
- Richard Odada (Kenya): Returning from suspension, Odada’s presence in midfield will be vital for Kenya. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks could be a game-changer.
- Amos Wanjala (Kenya): If included, the U20 captain has the potential to impress on the big stage. His composure and defensive awareness have been standout features in youth competitions.
- Motebang Sera (Namibia): The Brave Warriors’ forward will be keen to make an impact and test Kenya’s defense.
Both teams enter the match with no chance of qualifying for AFCON 2025, but the pride and morale at stake make this an intriguing contest. For Kenya, it’s an opportunity to end the campaign on a positive note and restore some faith among fans. For Namibia, it’s a chance to show resilience and lay the groundwork for future success.
Recent Form: Contrasting Journeys
- Kenya: Started strong but faltered against tougher opponents, with back-to-back losses to Cameroon derailing their campaign.
- Namibia: Struggled throughout the qualifiers, managing only one point and failing to replicate their World Cup qualifying performances.
What to Expect
Fans can expect a competitive game with both teams aiming to finish on a high. Kenya’s mix of experienced players like Michael Olunga and emerging talents like Wanjala could provide the spark needed to secure victory. Namibia, meanwhile, will rely on their physicality and organization to challenge the Harambee Stars.
