Kenya’s Harambee Stars began their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign on a frustrating note after being held to a 0-0 draw by Zimbabwe in a match that saw Kenya survive several near-misses thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo.
The game, played in Uganda, ended in disappointment as Kenya failed to secure a win in a match they desperately needed to set a strong pace in Group J.
It was Zimbabwe, rather than Kenya, who looked more likely to snatch the three points, with the visitors coming dangerously close to scoring on several occasions.
Kenya was forced to rely heavily on the heroics of Odhiambo, whose crucial saves kept the team’s AFCON qualification hopes alive.
With Kenya aiming to replicate their 2019 qualification success, where they reached the AFCON tournament in Egypt, a win in their opening match was vital.
The draw leaves the Stars with just one point in Group J, a group that also features tough opponents like Namibia and Cameroon. Kenya’s next test will come on Tuesday against Namibia in what is now a must-win encounter if they are to keep their AFCON hopes on track.
The absence of star striker and team captain Michael Olunga was felt deeply in the Kenyan camp. Olunga, who has been sidelined by injury, is a central figure in the team’s attack, and his absence left a glaring hole in Kenya’s offensive play.
Head coach Engin Firat’s decision to leave all three available natural strikers on the bench, including FKF Premier League Golden Boot winner Benson Omalla, was a shock to fans and pundits alike.
Instead of fielding a forward, Firat opted to play Eric Johanna, a natural midfielder, as the team’s center-forward, a tactical gamble that backfired.
Johanna struggled to lead the attack, leaving Kenya’s frontline blunt and rarely troubling Zimbabwe’s experienced goalkeeper, Washington Arubi.
Although Harambee Stars managed some decent build-ups in midfield, they lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
The absence of a recognized striker on the pitch raised questions about the coaching decisions, as Kenya struggled to penetrate Zimbabwe’s defense and create meaningful scoring opportunities.
As the qualification campaign progresses, Kenya’s next game against Namibia will be crucial. Fans will be hoping for a more attacking approach and a return to winning ways as Harambee Stars seek to reignite their AFCON 2025 dreams.
