Kenya’s Harambee Stars continued their impressive journey in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Namibia at Orlando Stadium, South Africa. This hard-fought win sees Kenya rise to the top of Group J, earning four points from two matches and reigniting their hopes of securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In what marked their second-ever away victory in AFCON qualifiers since 2002, the Stars showcased their resilience, scoring twice in the second half to secure a vital win. John Avire and Duke Abuya were the heroes of the night, with both players finding the back of the net in a dramatic encounter. Although Namibia managed to score a consolation goal in injury time, it was not enough to halt Kenya’s charge toward the top of the group.
A Slow First Half with Minimal Chances
The match began with both teams showing caution, each trying to avoid conceding an early goal. Namibia started the game on a high note, with Prins Tjueza testing Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Omondi in the third minute with a powerful shot aimed toward the top-right corner. Omondi, however, was equal to the task, making a crucial save to keep Kenya in the game.
Kenya’s defense remained solid throughout the first half, with Joseph Okumu and Slyvester Owino leading the backline and preventing Namibia from creating clear-cut chances. The only other notable opportunity for Namibia came from Deon Hotto, who launched a long-range effort, but Omondi comfortably saved the shot.
Kenya’s attack also struggled to create significant opportunities in the first half. Jonah Ayunga, who was making his senior team debut, saw his only shot blocked by a Namibian defender. Richard Odada had a chance to break the deadlock when he connected with an Eric Ouma corner, but his header went wide. The first half ended with both teams locked at 0-0, leaving much to be desired in terms of offensive action.
Avire Breaks the Deadlock with a Brilliant Freekick
The second half saw a much-improved Harambee Stars side, who came out with a renewed sense of purpose. Kenya’s breakthrough came in the 58th minute when John Avire stepped up to take a freekick just outside the box. Avire, one of three changes made by coach Engin Firat, curled the ball past Namibia’s goalkeeper Loydt Kazapua, sending the Kenyan fans into rapturous celebration. This marked Avire’s second goal for the national team and gave Kenya the much-needed lead.
Avire’s goal seemed to boost Kenya’s confidence as they started dominating possession and controlling the pace of the game. Namibia, on the other hand, looked unsettled and struggled to regain their rhythm after conceding.
Duke Abuya Seals the Victory
Kenya’s second goal came 15 minutes later, thanks to a perfectly executed counter-attack. Namibia had been pressing for an equalizer, but Kenya’s defense cleared a corner kick, setting up a quick transition. Erick Ouma picked up the loose ball and sprinted down the field with two Namibian defenders chasing him. Ouma played a well-timed pass to Duke Abuya, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Abuya kept his composure and slotted the ball into the back of the net, doubling Kenya’s lead and all but sealing the victory.
The goal showcased Kenya’s ability to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, with Ouma’s pace and Abuya’s clinical finishing proving to be the difference.
Namibia’s Late Consolation
Namibia did not go down without a fight, however. In the final moments of the game, they earned a freekick in a dangerous position just outside the Kenyan box. Deon Hotto stepped up and delivered a curling shot that found the bottom corner of the net, beating Omondi for a late consolation goal. Despite the goal, Kenya held on to secure the win, leaving Namibia with little time to stage a comeback.
Kenya’s Solid Defensive Display
One of the standout features of Kenya’s performance was their solid defensive display. The partnership of Joseph Okumu and Slyvester Owino in central defense was key in keeping Namibia’s attack at bay. Full-backs Erick Ouma and Rooney Onyango were also instrumental in stopping Namibia’s wingers from creating dangerous chances.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi had an excellent game, making crucial saves when called upon. His composure between the posts and ability to command his defense helped Kenya maintain their lead for most of the match.
What This Win Means for Kenya
This victory is significant for Kenya as it propels them to the top of Group J with four points from two matches. After drawing 0-0 with Zimbabwe in their opening qualifier, Kenya needed a win to boost their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025. The Harambee Stars have now put themselves in a strong position to continue their campaign with confidence.
Coach Engin Firat will be pleased with his team’s performance, especially the way they responded in the second half after a lackluster first 45 minutes. The combination of solid defending, quick counter-attacks, and clinical finishing made the difference in a closely contested match.
Looking Ahead: Kenya’s Path to AFCON 2025
Kenya’s next challenge will be to build on this momentum as they continue their AFCON qualifying campaign. With four points in the bag, the Harambee Stars will be looking to secure more wins in their upcoming matches to guarantee a spot in the 2025 tournament.
Their performance against Namibia will give them confidence, but there is still work to be done. Firat will likely focus on improving the team’s attacking play, especially in the first half of games where they have struggled to create clear chances.
Nevertheless, this victory is a massive boost for Kenya’s AFCON qualification hopes, and fans will be optimistic about the team’s chances moving forward.
Conclusion
Kenya’s 2-1 win over Namibia was a crucial result in their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign. John Avire and Duke Abuya were the stars of the show, with their goals securing a historic away victory for the Harambee Stars. As Kenya moves to the top of Group J, they will be determined to keep their momentum going as they chase a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
