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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Will Harambee Stars make it to 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals?

Football

By Washington Onyango | Jul 06, 2024

**Harambee Stars defender Alphonse Omija dribbles past Simon Adingra of Ivory Coast during the 2026 World Cup qualifier at Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe on June 11.** [FKF Media]

National football team Harambee Stars is set to rekindle its rivalry with Cameroon in the quest for a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The draw for the Afcon, Morocco 2025 qualifiers was held in Johannesburg on Thursday, and it placed Kenya in Group J alongside Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

This draw sets up a thrilling battle, as the Harambee Stars seek to make their mark on the continental stage once more.

Interestingly, Kenya was to face both Cameroon and Namibia in the qualifiers for the 2023 edition but due to an earlier Fifa ban, Harambee Stars missed out.

The qualifiers, which will start in September will see 48 African nations compete for a place in the 35th edition of the biennial tournament.

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The top two teams from each of the 11 groups, excluding hosts Morocco who are already assured of participation, will earn their spots in the prestigious event.

Cameroon, a powerhouse in African football, will undoubtedly be the toughest challenge for Kenya in the group.

The Indomitable Lions have a rich history in AFCON, having won the tournament five times, with their most recent triumph in 2017.

The last encounter between Kenya and Cameroon in the Afcon qualifiers was in 2019, when the two sides played out a 1-1 draw in Nairobi, followed by a narrow 2-1 victory for Cameroon in Yaoundé. This time, the Harambee Stars will be eager to turn the tables.

Speaking after the draw, Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat said he believes they can make it to the continental showpiece.

"We are in a fairly balanced group where every team is strong. According to me, every team stand an equal chance of qualifying and therefore it will be a tough race.

“Our goal is to get to Morocco and all we have to do is finish in the top two," said Firat.

Kenya last featured in the tournament in 2019 when it was staged in Cairo, Egypt. They exited in the group stage after losses to Algeria and Senegal and a consolation win over neighbours Tanzania.

Former Harambee Stars players Elijah Onsika and Boniface Ambani believe Kenya stand a chance of qualifying.

Onsika, who featured for Shabana and Kisumu Posta locally said Harambee Stars must need to win all their home matches and thus urged the Ministry of Sports to fast-track the stadiums problems Kenya is currently facing.

“It’s an easy path for Kenya if only we take care of our home matches. This brings me back to why we need Kasarani and Nyayo fit for use and approved by Confederation of African Football and Fifa. Three wins at home will get us over to Morocco,” said Onsika.

Ambani on the other hand said Stars should not underestimate their opponents both home and away.

“It’s a fair pool for us but we need to be careful. We need to start the qualifiers on the front foot and winning our opening two will get the team into sync. Confidence is another key aspect especially when playing giants Cameroon,” said the former Yanga and Tusker star forward.