Kenya’s Harambee Stars ended their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign on a disappointing note. The team managed a goalless draw against Namibia on Tuesday afternoon in South Africa. This result, played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, marked the end of a lackluster journey for both teams.
Neither Kenya nor Namibia had hopes of qualifying, as they had been eliminated earlier. The game, under the sweltering South African sun, showcased occasional promise but lacked the sharpness expected at this level. Both teams struggled to convert their opportunities into meaningful goals.
Early Dominance but No Cutting Edge
Kenya started strongly, dominating possession and attempting to exploit the flanks through Erick Ouma’s crosses. Despite these efforts, the Namibian defense stood firm, thwarting Kenya’s attacking initiatives.
The first clear chance came in the 8th minute when Alfred Scriven’s header tested Edward Maova, Namibia’s goalkeeper. Maova reacted brilliantly, keeping Kenya at bay. Although Kenya continued to press, their forwards, including Johnstone Omurwa, failed to convert the opportunities created.
A Stalemate in the Second Half
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough. Namibia nearly took the lead in the 56th minute when Vitapi Ngaruka unleashed a powerful long-range shot. Kenyan goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo produced an outstanding save, keeping the match level.
Kenya introduced fresh players, including Daniel Sakari, Marvin Nabwire, and Jonah Ayunga, in search of inspiration. However, these changes failed to ignite the much-needed spark in attack. Namibia also had a late chance when Elmo Ukondja’s header was miscontrolled, allowing Kenya’s defense to clear the danger.
Individual Performances Shine Despite Team Struggles
While the overall team performance was underwhelming, a few players stood out. Goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo was arguably Kenya’s best player. His calm composure and sharp reflexes were evident, particularly in the 56th and 82nd minutes. These moments highlighted his reliability despite Kenya’s attacking struggles.
Erick Ouma was another bright spot, delivering dangerous crosses from the flanks. Unfortunately, the forwards could not capitalize on these opportunities, highlighting Kenya’s glaring inefficiencies in the attacking department.
Group J Standings and Future Prospects
Kenya concluded their Group J campaign in third place with six points. Namibia finished at the bottom, failing to secure a single win. Cameroon and Zimbabwe dominated the group, booking their spots in next year’s tournament in Morocco.
For Harambee Stars, this campaign has been a wake-up call. The team failed to register any wins in their final two matches, raising concerns about their direction under coach Engin Firat. This result also extended Kenya’s winless streak to six matches, underscoring a disappointing year for the national team.
Lessons for the Future
The conclusion of the qualifiers offers Kenya an opportunity to reflect and rebuild. The lack of cutting-edge finishing and defensive lapses must be addressed ahead of future campaigns. Players like Byrne Odhiambo and Erick Ouma can form the core of a team that focuses on developing a more cohesive strategy.
While fans hoped for better results, this campaign has shown that Harambee Stars need a long-term plan. Patience, consistency, and improved tactics will be crucial as Kenya looks to make a stronger impact in upcoming competitions.
Conclusion
Kenya’s AFCON 2025 journey ended in disappointment, but there are lessons to learn. The goalless draw against Namibia highlighted the need for better preparation and sharper execution. As the team regroups, the focus will be on addressing their weaknesses and building a competitive squad for future tournaments.
Harambee Stars must now look beyond this campaign and aim to restore pride in Kenyan football.