Michael Olunga’s injury concerns cast a shadow over Kenya’s Harambee Stars as they prepare for their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Namibia, facing a daunting challenge in the absence of key players.
Scheduled to be played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa on Tuesday, the match is a dead rubber, as both teams are out of contention for next year’s AFCON in Morocco.
This match offers both nations a chance to finish their campaigns on a positive note and rebuild for future competitions.
However, Kenya’s preparations have been hampered by injuries to key players, including assistant captain Joseph Okumu and midfielder Amos Nondi, alongside Olunga’s uncertain availability.
Michael Olunga: The Star Striker’s Absence Looms
Olunga, Kenya’s leading scorer in the qualifiers, is battling a lingering injury that saw him miss training sessions ahead of the Namibia clash. The Al Duhail striker, who had scored in three consecutive matches prior to the game against Zimbabwe, is a major doubt, putting Kenya’s attacking strength in question.
Joseph Okumu: Defensive Rock Out
Assistant captain and Stade de Reims center-back Joseph Okumu has been ruled out due to a groin injury sustained during the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe last Friday. The defender has returned to his club in France for specialized treatment, with head coach Engin Firat confirming the decision:
“We do not want the injury to worsen, so we have allowed him to go back to his club.”
Okumu’s absence adds to Kenya’s defensive vulnerabilities, with the team already struggling in this campaign.
Amos Nondi: Suspended Midfielder
Ararat-Armenia midfielder Amos Nondi will also miss the Namibia game due to suspension after picking up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers. Nondi’s disciplined play has been crucial in Kenya’s midfield, and his absence adds another layer of difficulty for the team.
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Kenya’s Campaign: Promising Start, Disappointing Finish
Kenya began their AFCON qualification journey with promise, collecting four points from their first two matches—a draw against Zimbabwe and a win over Namibia. The positive start positioned the Harambee Stars as strong contenders for their first AFCON appearance since 2019.
However, their campaign unraveled with back-to-back heavy defeats to Cameroon in October, leaving them with an uphill battle. Last Friday’s draw against Zimbabwe, despite a goal from Jonah Ayunga, confirmed Kenya’s elimination from contention.
Opportunities Amidst Challenges
Despite their struggles, Kenya can draw positives from this match against Namibia. The game provides a chance for fringe players to showcase their abilities on the international stage, setting a foundation for future competitions.
Key players to watch include:
- Richard Odada: The Dundee United midfielder is available for selection and will be crucial in controlling the midfield.
- Jonah Ayunga: After scoring in the last match, Ayunga has the potential to fill Olunga’s shoes in the attack.
Namibia’s Outlook
Namibia, like Kenya, has also been eliminated from AFCON contention. However, the Brave Warriors will aim to finish their campaign on a high and build momentum for upcoming tournaments. With a solid team effort, Namibia could pose a significant challenge to a depleted Kenyan side.
Match Preview: Kenya vs. Namibia
Key Details:
- Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
- Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, South Africa
- Kickoff: 6:00 PM CAT
Head-to-Head:
The last meeting between the two teams ended in a victory for Kenya. The Harambee Stars will hope to replicate that performance, despite their injury setbacks.
Building for the Future
This match, while inconsequential in the current AFCON qualifiers, is vital for Kenya’s long-term aspirations. With their third consecutive absence from African football’s premier event, the Harambee Stars must use this opportunity to identify emerging talents and address structural issues in the team.
