Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team, has been eliminated from the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with South Sudan in the second leg of their qualifying round. Following a 2-0 loss in the first leg, the Stars needed a decisive win in the second match held at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda. Despite taking an early lead, Kenya could not hold on, resulting in an aggregate 3-1 loss to South Sudan. This disappointing exit raises questions about Kenya’s preparations and strategy under head coach Engin Firat.
Early Hopes Dashed as South Sudan Levels in First Half
Harambee Stars started the game with high hopes of overturning their two-goal deficit from the first leg. The team’s stand-in captain, Austin Odhiambo, gave Kenya an early lead, scoring in the tenth minute to bring them within one goal of equalizing the aggregate. The early goal energized the team and gave fans hope that a comeback was possible.
However, South Sudan held firm and gradually regained control of the game. In the 43rd minute, South Sudan’s Bright Stars equalized, effectively securing their place in the next round. Kenya’s inability to capitalize on their lead and South Sudan’s resilience proved decisive, as the one-all scoreline left Harambee Stars without enough to progress further in the qualifiers.
South Sudan Moves On, Kenya Exits Despite Hosting Status
South Sudan’s aggregate win over Kenya propels them to the final round of CHAN qualifiers, where they will face Rwanda. The winner of the South Sudan-Rwanda matchup will secure a spot in the CHAN 2025 finals, scheduled to take place in February. South Sudan’s progress reflects a growing strength in East African football, underscoring their improvement in recent years.
For Kenya, the CHAN qualifiers were intended as a chance to build a competitive team ahead of hosting the tournament. Despite being one of the host nations, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya’s failure in the qualifiers could impact team morale and readiness. Hosting offers Kenya an automatic entry into the tournament, but their lackluster performance raises concerns about their competitiveness.
Firat’s Strategy Questioned Amid CHAN Qualifiers
Head coach Engin Firat, who has been leading the national team since September 2021, has faced considerable criticism following the CHAN exit. The Turkish manager’s approach to the qualifiers has been controversial, with Firat previously questioning the necessity of participating in the qualifiers given Kenya’s hosting status. Firat’s prioritization of other competitions and his comments regarding the congested FIFA calendar have not gone over well with fans and analysts, who expected the team to put forth their best efforts.
The failure to beat South Sudan in three attempts—once in a friendly and twice in the CHAN qualifiers—highlights Firat’s struggles to find consistency with the squad. With only three competitive wins under his belt since taking over, Firat’s tenure has been underwhelming, and the CHAN qualifiers have only added to the skepticism surrounding his management style.
A String of Disappointments: Firat’s Struggles with Harambee Stars
Since his appointment in 2021, Firat has had limited success with Harambee Stars, raising questions about his ability to take the team to the next level. The CHAN qualifiers were seen as a golden opportunity to build momentum, develop a cohesive squad, and provide experience to young players. However, Firat’s apparent lack of commitment to the qualifiers may have hindered the team’s growth and preparation for the main tournament.
Kenya’s overall performance under Firat’s leadership has been inconsistent, with disappointing results in key matches, such as the recent losses to South Sudan. Many fans feel that the team’s potential is being squandered and are calling for a reevaluation of Firat’s position. This exit from CHAN qualifiers further compounds the need for change in Kenya’s football management.
What’s Next for Harambee Stars? Focus Shifts to AFCON Qualifiers
With the CHAN qualifiers behind them, Harambee Stars now turn their attention to the remaining 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Kenya is set to face Zimbabwe and Namibia in crucial encounters that will determine whether they can secure a spot in the AFCON tournament. Their first match against Zimbabwe will take place on November 15 in South Africa, followed by a match against Namibia in Uganda on November 19.
The stakes are high, as Kenya needs to secure six points from these two games to keep their qualification hopes alive. If they can defeat Zimbabwe and Namibia and Zimbabwe loses to Cameroon, Kenya will qualify for their first AFCON tournament since 2019. This opportunity presents a chance for Firat and the team to redeem themselves, though they will need to make significant improvements to achieve this goal.
South Sudan’s Win Highlights East Africa’s Growing Football Strength
South Sudan’s victory over Kenya reflects the progress made by smaller footballing nations within East Africa. Traditionally considered an underdog, South Sudan’s recent success demonstrates the increasing competitiveness within the region. Their journey to the next CHAN qualifying round is a testament to the dedication and development within their football federation.
Facing Rwanda in the final qualification round, South Sudan has a real opportunity to reach the CHAN finals, an achievement that would boost their footballing profile and inspire further investment in the sport. This growth in East African football creates a more dynamic and competitive landscape that encourages all teams, including Kenya, to enhance their training and development programs.
The Path Forward for Kenyan Football: Learning from Setbacks
Kenya’s CHAN exit serves as a wake-up call for Harambee Stars and the Football Kenya Federation. With a young, talented squad, Kenya has the potential to be a competitive force, but achieving success will require cohesive planning and investment in youth development. Engaging players with experience in high-stakes matches, enhancing tactical training, and providing consistent leadership are essential steps for improvement.
As one of the host nations for CHAN 2025, Kenya must address the gaps in their squad to avoid a repeat of this disappointing performance. Utilizing the tournament as a chance to showcase homegrown talent, Harambee Stars should focus on building a team capable of competing at the highest level. Ensuring that the players are well-prepared for both CHAN and AFCON will benefit Kenyan football in the long run, providing a foundation for future success.
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