Harambee Stars’ hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were dealt a blow after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe yesterday at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Kenya needed a win against Zimbabwe to keep their qualification hopes alive, but the resilient Warriors held firm, ending the Stars’ AFCON dreams.
The match saw Tawanda Mwasanhise give Zimbabwe the lead in the 32nd minute, only for Jonah Ayunga to equalize for Kenya in the 52nd.
However, a draw was enough to secure Zimbabwe’s place in the tournament, while Kenya’s chances were dashed.
The result left Cameroon, who had already secured the top spot in Group J, with the only guaranteed qualification slot, while Kenya’s only remaining hope was to surpass Zimbabwe.
However, the Stars’ inability to break down Zimbabwe’s defensive tactics saw them drop more points, a trend that has plagued their campaign.
Harambee Stars kicked out of AFCON competitions.
This was Kenya’s fourth game without a win in the qualifiers, following two defeats to 2017 AFCON champions Cameroon and now two draws against Zimbabwe.
Harambee Stars will now face Namibia on Tuesday in a dead rubber fixture, their final qualifier in Group J.
Kenya currently sits third with five points, while Namibia is bottom with just two points.
The last time Kenya participated in AFCON was in 2019 in Egypt under coach Sébastien Migné.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat.
The Stars will now have to wait until 2027 to have another shot at qualifying, when they will co-host the tournament with Tanzania and Uganda.
