Naema Celestine 
Kenya’s Harambee Stars closed their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign with a 0-0 stalemate against Namibia on Tuesday evening.
The match, held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, marked a disappointing end to a lackluster campaign for both sides.
This encounter carried little significance, as neither Kenya nor Namibia had a chance to qualify for next year’s tournament in Morocco. The match reflected the struggles both teams faced throughout the qualifiers, delivering minimal excitement and offensive creativity.
Head coach Engin Firat made notable changes to Kenya’s lineup, leaving star striker and captain Michael Olunga on the bench. In his absence, Anthony Akumu stepped in as captain, possibly making his final appearance in national colors. Firat opted for a new attacking duo in Alfred Scriven and John Avire, while Akumu anchored the midfield alongside Richard Odada and Austin Odhiambo.
Kenya created two promising chances in the first half but failed to convert. Alfred Scriven, making his debut, narrowly missed marking the occasion with a goal, glancing Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma’s cross wide. Shortly after, Johnstone Omurwa squandered a header from a well-delivered free-kick by Odhiambo.
Namibia posed a greater threat in the second half, with Willy Stephanus forcing Kenyan goalkeeper Bryne Omondi into a fine save from the edge of the box. Elmo Kambindu also came close, but his header lacked the power to find the back of the net.
The draw left Kenya in third place in Group J with six points, earned from one win and three draws. Namibia finished last in the group, managing only two points across the campaign. Group leaders Cameroon secured their qualification with an impressive 14 points, while Zimbabwe claimed the second spot with nine points.
Despite the underwhelming campaign, the match marked a significant moment for veteran midfielder Anthony Akumu. As captain for the day, Akumu’s leadership in what could be his last outing for Kenya highlighted his long service to the team.
In contrast to Kenya’s struggles, neighboring Tanzania celebrated a major milestone by qualifying for AFCON 2025. They secured their spot with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Guinea in Dar es Salaam, showcasing the progress of East African football.
The Harambee Stars now face the challenge of regrouping and rebuilding for future competitions. Head coach Engin Firat will likely reflect on the shortcomings of this campaign and make adjustments to strengthen the team ahead of the next qualification cycle.
As Kenya exits the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, questions remain about the team’s direction. Fans will be hoping for renewed energy and improved performances as the Harambee Stars aim for better outcomes in future tournaments.
