Anthony “Teddy” Akumu, a seasoned midfielder and integral part of Kenya’s Harambee Stars, is radiating confidence as the team embarks on its quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Despite being placed in a challenging Group ‘J’ alongside Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Cameroon, Akumu believes that the Harambee Stars have what it takes to defy the odds and secure their place in the prestigious continental tournament.
Having played for top clubs like Gor Mahia and Orlando Pirates, Akumu brings a wealth of experience to the national team. He is poised to play a critical role in the upcoming qualification campaign, which kicks off with a match against Zimbabwe in Kampala, Uganda, on Friday. This will be followed by a clash with Malawi in South Africa on September 10. For Akumu, these matches represent a significant opportunity to contribute to the national team’s success, especially after missing out on the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
Reflecting on his missed opportunity in 2019, Akumu expressed his determination to make an impact this time around. “I missed the opportunity to play in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, and I’m determined to make up for it by contributing significantly in the upcoming edition in Morocco,” he said. His words reflect a deep sense of commitment and a desire to play a pivotal role in helping Kenya qualify for the tournament. Akumu is particularly encouraged by the strength of the current squad, which he believes is capable of overcoming the stiff competition in Group ‘J.’
“We have a strong team with talented players and unwavering support from our fans. With hard work and determination, I believe we can qualify,” Akumu added. This statement underscores his confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion, despite the challenges that lie ahead. Akumu is aware that the road to Rabat will not be easy, but he remains optimistic that Kenya can secure one of the two available spots in the group.
Akumu’s confidence is not unfounded. Despite being without a club for seven months, he played a crucial role in Kenya’s victory at the Four Nations Cup, held at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi. His performances in World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast further demonstrated his value to the team, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level even when facing strong opposition.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has also expressed his faith in Akumu, praising the midfielder’s fitness and work ethic. Firat pointed out that, despite Akumu’s period of inactivity at the club level, he remains in excellent physical condition, arguably better than many of his counterparts in the Kenyan Premier League. Firat’s endorsement highlights Akumu’s importance to the team and his seamless fit into the coach’s tactical plans.
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Akumu’s club career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After leaving South African giants Kaizer Chiefs on July 2, 2022, he had a brief stint with Japanese club Sagan Tosu, where he made three appearances in the League Cup before parting ways with the club in January 2024. Recently, Akumu signed with Iranian side Kheybar Khorramabad on July 7, marking the latest chapter in his professional journey.
During his time as a free agent, Akumu stayed committed to maintaining his fitness, training with Mathare United to ensure he remained match-ready. His dedication and resilience during this challenging period have not gone unnoticed, and they have undoubtedly prepared him to contribute effectively to Kenya’s AFCON qualification campaign.
As the Harambee Stars arrived in Kampala on Monday and began their preparations with a training session on Tuesday, there was a palpable sense of determination among the squad. The team is well aware of the task at hand, but they are buoyed by their recent success against Zimbabwe. In their most recent encounter, Kenya defeated the Brave Warriors 3-1 in the final of the Four Nations Cup in Malawi on March 27. This victory serves as a source of motivation as they prepare to face Zimbabwe again in their AFCON qualifying opener.
Akumu’s optimism is contagious, and it reflects the broader sentiment within the Harambee Stars camp. As the team gears up for the challenges ahead, they do so with the belief that they can secure a place in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. With experienced players like Akumu leading the charge, Kenya’s prospects look promising as they embark on their qualification journey
