Harambee stars held to a goalless draw in Final AFCON qualification clash against Namibia

Nairobi, 

Tuesday, 19 November, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Kenya's Harambee Stars ended their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign with a frustrating goalless draw against Namibia, a result that leaves them absent from next year’s tournament in Morocco. 

Despite their spirited efforts, the Stars fell short, finishing third in Group J with six points, three behind second-placed Zimbabwe and a distant eight behind group leaders Cameroon. Namibia trailed with just two points to their name.

Throughout the campaign, Kenya managed only one victory—a 2-1 win over Namibia—and registered two draws. However, losses against Zimbabwe and both legs against Cameroon ultimately sealed their fate. In an earlier crucial encounter, Cameroon edged out Zimbabwe 2-1, tightening their grip on the group lead.

The lackluster showing has placed significant scrutiny on head coach Engin Firat, who has struggled to secure a win in Kenya’s last six matches. Under his stewardship, the Stars suffered two defeats and recorded three draws, including back-to-back stalemates against Cameroon and South Sudan, before their final tie with Namibia.

As the team faces yet another AFCON absence, attention turns to the future. Kenya's next chance to make a continental impact will come in 2027 when they co-host the competition alongside Uganda and Tanzania. 

Questions linger over Firat's future at the helm, as fans and officials alike weigh the need for a potential managerial shake-up in light of the disappointing campaign.

While the Harambee Stars will have ample time to rebuild and refocus, the wait for continental glory continues—a harsh reminder of the work needed to elevate Kenya to AFCON's main stage once more.