Kenya’s Harambee Stars secured a vital 2-1 win over Namibia in their second Group J Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, played at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, on Tuesday night.
This victory comes as a welcome relief for the Kenyan side after their 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe last week, propelling them to the top of the group standings.
Goals from John Avire and Duke Abuya ensured that Kenya leapfrogged five-time AFCON champions Cameroon, who were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. Both Kenya and Cameroon now have four points from two matches, but Kenya leads the group on goal difference, having scored two goals to Cameroon’s one.
Kenya’s head coach Engin Firat made key changes to the squad that drew with Zimbabwe, giving Jonah Ayunga his debut in place of Eric Johana. Additionally, John Avire and Amos Nondi were recalled to the starting line-up, replacing Alphonce Omija and Austin Odhiambo. Firat’s tactical adjustments paid off, as Kenya showed resilience and grit against Namibia’s Brave Warriors.
The first half saw both sides struggle to break the deadlock, with Kenya’s defensive discipline and Namibia’s pressing canceling each other out. However, it was Avire who rewarded Firat’s faith in him with a clinical finish in the 58th minute. His well-placed shot from a free-kick finally gave Kenya the lead, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Kenya’s second goal came in the 75th minute through a swift counter-attack. After defending a Namibian corner, Erick “Marcelo” Ouma sprinted down the left flank, outpacing his marker before sending a low cross into the box. Duke Abuya, left unmarked, calmly slotted home to double Kenya’s lead, leaving Namibia with little time to respond.
Namibia managed a late consolation goal in stoppage time, with Deon Hotto curling in a left-footed free-kick past Kenya’s goalkeeper Brynne Omondi. Despite the late scare, Harambee Stars held on to their lead to seal the 2-1 victory.
Kenya now shifts focus to their next qualifier against Cameroon on October 7, a match that could determine the group leader’s fate. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament set to be hosted in Morocco.
This victory positions Harambee Stars strongly in their quest for a return to Africa’s biggest football stage, having last qualified for the tournament in 2019. Engin Firat will hope his side can maintain their form and secure a place in Morocco.
