With anticipation building, Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, under the guidance of head coach Engin Firat, is preparing to take on Zimbabwe and Namibia in the opening rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The stakes are high as Kenya seeks to make a strong start on the road to AFCON, a tournament they last participated in during 2019.
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Preparing for the Ultimate Challenge
Harambee Stars will face Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, on September 4.
Six days later, they will clash with Namibia’s Brave Warriors at the Stade Mandela National Stadium in South Africa.
These opening matches are crucial as they set the tone for Kenya’s qualification campaign. However, due to the ongoing renovations at Kenya’s major stadiums, Harambee Stars are forced to host their “home” match against Zimbabwe in Uganda.
Despite the challenges of playing away from home, coach Engin Firat is confident in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion.
Firat has assured fans that the team is well-prepared, with only minor adjustments being made to the lineup that competed in the recent World Cup qualifiers in Malawi.
“We have our sights set on victory against Zimbabwe. We’ve faced them before, and we’ve prepared well to counter their approach. The team has been working hard, and we’re confident in our ability to deliver a positive result,” Firat said.
The Importance of a Strong Start in AFCON Qualifiers
Starting the AFCON qualifiers on the right foot is essential for Harambee Stars, especially given their recent history.
Kenya last appeared in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The disappointment of that early exit has lingered, and the team is now determined to return to the tournament and make a deeper run.
Coach Firat has emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity within the squad, believing that a consistent lineup will help the team gel and perform at a higher level.
The minor changes to the squad are strategic, aimed at enhancing the team’s strengths while addressing any weaknesses identified during the World Cup qualifiers.
“We understand the importance of starting strong in these qualifiers. Every match is crucial, and we cannot afford to slip up. The players are fully aware of the expectations and are ready to give their all to secure a place in the AFCON 2025 tournament,” Firat added.
The Challenge of Playing Away from Home
One of the significant challenges Harambee Stars face in these qualifiers is the lack of a CAF-certified stadium in Kenya, forcing them to play their home match against Zimbabwe in Uganda.
This situation is far from ideal, as playing on foreign soil denies the team the advantage of home support. However, Firat remains optimistic that his team can overcome this obstacle.
“There is no doubt we want to play at home. We are looking forward to hosting our matches at home in front of our fans. However, we must adapt to the circumstances and focus on the task at hand. The players are motivated, and we are confident that we can perform well, regardless of the venue,” Firat said.
The Turkish coach’s positive outlook is shared by the players, who are eager to represent their country on the international stage. The team’s determination to succeed, even under challenging conditions, is a testament to their resilience and commitment.
Key Players to Watch in Harambee Stars’ Squad
The Harambee Stars squad for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Last season’s Kenya Premier League (KPL) top scorer, Benson Omalla, is among the key players who have returned for national duties.
Omalla, who recently joined Lebanese side Al Safa from Gor Mahia, is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s attack.
Firat has also called up several foreign-based players who bring valuable experience to the squad. The inclusion of these players is part of Firat’s strategy to strengthen the team and ensure that Harambee Stars are competitive at the highest level.
“We have a talented group of players who are capable of making a significant impact. The mix of youth and experience in the squad gives us a good balance, and I believe this team has the potential to achieve great things,” Firat commented.
The Role of Officiating in the AFCON Qualifiers
The officiating team for Harambee Stars’ match against Zimbabwe has been confirmed, with Senegal’s Diouf Adalbert appointed as the center referee. Madou Ngom and Madou Ngoma, also from Senegal, will serve as the first and second assistant referees, respectively.
The match commissioner will be Mike Letti from Uganda, while Damel Haimoudi of Algeria will evaluate the referees’ performance.
Good officiating is crucial in matches of this magnitude, where the stakes are high, and every decision can have a significant impact on the outcome.
Coach Firat has expressed confidence in the professionalism of the officiating team and is focused on ensuring that his players are disciplined and prepared for any challenges that may arise during the match.
