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Ambani has explained why Kenya stand a good chance of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON after being drawn alongside Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Namibia.
Former Kenyan international Boniface Ambani believes Kenya has a strong chance of qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) following the qualifiers’ draw on Friday.
Kenya has been placed in Group J alongside Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, with the qualifiers set to begin in September.
The tournament, to be held in Morocco, will start in December 2025.
Ambani who is now the technical director of FKFKPL newcomers Mara Sugar FC, is confident that Kenya can finish among the top two teams in the group, securing a ticket to AFCON.
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12:20 - 05.07.2024
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Kenya last participated in the tournament in 2019, exiting in the group stage after losses to Algeria and Senegal and a win over neighbors Tanzania.
In a Facebook post, Ambani expressed optimism about Kenya’s draw and their chances of qualification.
“With the right mindset, selection by merit, and early preparations, Kenya can qualify straight from this group,” he wrote.
“Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Namibia, are good teams yes, but not good enough to threaten or scare us. Recently we gave Ivory Coast, current holders, a run for their own money. We created several clear scoring opportunities. It's a match that we could have won easily.
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10:56 - 05.07.2024
AFCON 2025: Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat reveals what excites him about qualifying draw
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has reacted to the qualifying draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which saw Kenya pooled with Cameroon, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
“The two matches we played in Malawi, in fact, were matches we could have collected six points. The boys gave a good account of themselves. So in this group, I see us coming out unscathed.
“The exposure the team has been receiving should be a driving factor in our quest to qualify for AFCON 2025, as we gear up to host the 2027 AFCON."
However, Ambani warned that the Harambee Stars cannot afford to make any mistakes and must be at their best to secure a place in the biennial tournament.
"But that doesn't mean it's an easy group. We have to prepare well, approach the games properly, and aim for the win," he advised.
Ambani emphasized the importance of securing maximum points in all home games and starting the campaign strongly by winning at least the opening two qualification matches.
"The key will be securing home wins and ensuring we get maximum points at home. Another crucial aspect is winning our first two qualifying games, as that will set the tone for the qualifiers. We have to do our best to earn points in those two games."
He also noted that while Cameroon appears to be the toughest team in the group, Kenya has a decent record against them.
"Cameroon looks like the toughest team in the group, but we do not have a very bad record against them, and so the boys should not approach the game with any fear. It is one that we can get maximum points from," Ambani added.
As the Harambee Stars prepare for the qualifiers, the support and optimism from figures like Ambani underscore the high hopes for Kenya’s return to the continental stage.
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