Harambee Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations were dashed following a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe. The result leaves Kenya with no chance of advancing to the tournament after their penultimate Group J game
The Road to Qualification
Before the match, Kenya needed a win and hoped that Zimbabwe would lose to Cameroon. Unfortunately, their dream was shattered by Zimbabwe’s resilient performance. With this disappointing result, Harambee Stars now face the reality of failing to qualify for next year’s competition.
Kenya Starts Strong but Misses Early Opportunity
The match began with a lively tempo as Kenya looked to take early control. Harambee Stars moved the ball well, seeking to unsettle the host team. A great chance came in the third minute when Michael Olunga was in a prime position. Olunga received a pass inside the area, but Zimbabwe’s Teenage Hadebe made a timely clearance to deny Kenya an early lead.
Johnstone Omurwa’s Crucial Block
Johnstone Omurwa made a crucial intervention in the 15th minute. The Kenyan defender blocked a long-range strike from Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Maswanhise, keeping the scores level.
Zimbabwe Breaks the Deadlock
Zimbabwe broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, their first shot on target. Tawanda Maswanhise unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, sending the ball past Kenyan goalkeeper Byrne Omondi to make it 1-0. The goal came as a surprise, with Zimbabwe not having looked threatening up until that point.
Missed Opportunities for Harambee Stars
Kenya had an immediate opportunity to equalize in the 37th minute. Rooney Onyango had a clear chance but blasted his shot wide. Eric Otieno was also in a good position but failed to connect with the ball as the Zimbabwean defense faltered. This missed opportunity marked the end of the first half, with Zimbabwe holding a 1-0 lead.
Zimbabwe Dominates After the Break
After the break, Zimbabwe started stronger, applying more pressure. However, Harambee Stars remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Coach Engin Firat made key substitutions to refresh the squad, bringing in Duke Abuya and Charles Momanyi for Aboud Omar and Joseph Okumu.
Kenya Finds Equalizer Through Jonah Ayunga
Kenya found their equalizer in the 52nd minute. Jonah Ayunga capitalized on a Zimbabwean goalkeeper error. After a spilled ball, Ayunga pounced on the rebound before the defenders could clear it off the line. The goal was a lifeline for Kenya, giving them a chance to secure qualification.
Zimbabwe’s Response and Missed Chances
Zimbabwe responded by making a defensive change at the hour mark, replacing Takwara with Godknows Murilwa. Murilwa almost put Zimbabwe back in the lead, but his shot from a cross went wide of the target. Despite this, the Warriors continued to push forward, while Harambee Stars struggled to find a breakthrough.
Final Push but No Second Goal for Harambee Stars
Michael Olunga also had a golden opportunity but failed to convert. Kenya’s attack lacked precision, with Zimbabwe defending well and looking dangerous on the counter. As time passed, Harambee Stars found it increasingly difficult to penetrate the Zimbabwean defense.
End of the Road for Harambee Stars
With just minutes remaining, Zimbabwe introduced striker Divine Lunga to add fresh legs to their attack. Despite this, Kenya’s goalkeeper, Byrne Omondi, remained dominant in the air, collecting long balls and crosses confidently.
In the final moments of the match, both teams exchanged end-to-end attacks. However, Harambee Stars were unable to find the crucial second goal. The match ended 1-1, and with it, Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations were officially over.
Looking Ahead to the Final Match
Harambee Stars now face Namibia in their final Group J match, but the result will be a mere formality. Despite showing promise in patches, Kenya’s failure to secure a win against Zimbabwe ended their qualification hopes. With one match remaining, the dream of playing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is over for the Stars.