Kenya’s Harambee Stars have risen to the top of Group J in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying campaign, alongside Cameroon, with a crucial two-legged clash set for October. The stakes are high as both teams vie for one of the coveted spots in the continental tournament, which will take place in Morocco. Harambee Stars vice-captain Joseph Okumu believes that determination and resilience will be the keys to securing Kenya’s place at AFCON.
The Stars recently secured a vital 2-1 win against Namibia in their latest Group J qualifier, a result that has significantly boosted their chances of qualification. After a scoreless draw against Zimbabwe in their opening match, Harambee Stars needed a victory to keep their campaign on track, and they delivered. John Avire’s stunning free-kick and a well-placed finish by Duke Abuya were enough to earn Kenya three crucial points in a tightly contested match.
The match took place at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a challenging away fixture for Kenya. Namibia started the game strongly, but Harambee Stars showed great composure, particularly in the second half, to come out on top. Reflecting on the victory, Okumu praised his team’s effort and highlighted the importance of their defensive strategy in weathering the early pressure from Namibia.
“It was a tough away game, but the boys fought hard, and the win was well-deserved,” Okumu shared in an interview with OdiBets TV. He acknowledged Namibia’s aggressive approach in the first half, but he was quick to credit the Stars’ ability to contain their opponents and keep the game within reach.
“They came at us with a lot of intensity, especially in the first half, but our plan was to defend well and not concede early. That gave us the energy to take control in the second half when they started to tire,” Okumu explained.
Kenya’s success in containing Namibia’s high-energy start was crucial, as it allowed them to regroup and shift the momentum after the halftime break. Avire’s superb free-kick and Abuya’s calm finish capped off a dominant second-half performance, sealing an important victory for the team.
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With the win, Harambee Stars are now tied on points with Cameroon at the top of Group J, with both teams sitting on four points. However, Kenya holds a slight advantage due to a superior goal difference. The upcoming doubleheader against Cameroon in October is expected to be decisive in determining the group standings, with only the top two teams qualifying for AFCON 2025.
Okumu is aware of the high stakes in the October fixtures and emphasized that the team needs to maintain the same fighting spirit that helped them overcome Namibia. He believes that the team with the strongest desire will ultimately come out on top in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested group.
“The group is still wide open, and it’s all about who wants it more. We need to fight hard, just like we did against Namibia,” Okumu said. “We know that the games against Cameroon will be tough, but we are ready to give everything.”
The upcoming doubleheader against Cameroon will likely be the most challenging part of Kenya’s qualification campaign. Cameroon, one of the top footballing nations in Africa, boasts a strong squad with a rich history in continental competitions. However, Harambee Stars remain optimistic, knowing that their recent performances have placed them in a favorable position.
Kenya’s path to AFCON qualification has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but with the team’s recent form, there is a growing belief that they can secure their place at the tournament in Morocco. The squad’s combination of young talent and experienced players has given the team a well-rounded edge, and the leadership of players like Okumu has been instrumental in instilling a sense of belief and determination within the team.
As the Harambee Stars prepare for the critical encounters against Cameroon, the importance of teamwork, strategy, and resilience cannot be overstated. The doubleheader will test Kenya’s ability to compete at the highest level, and with everything to play for, the outcome of these matches will likely shape the team’s AFCON 2025 aspirations.
In the meantime, the Harambee Stars can take pride in their hard-fought victory over Namibia, a result that has placed them in a strong position at the top of Group J. With the group still wide open, Okumu’s call for hunger and determination will be crucial in determining whether Kenya can secure its spot at Africa’s premier football tournament.
