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Engin Firat faces a selection headache for the dead rubber AFCON 2025 qualifying clash against Namibia with key players struggling with fitness problems.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is grappling with significant selection headaches as Kenya prepares to face Namibia in a dead-rubber 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday at South Africa's Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Both Kenya and Namibia are out of contention for next year’s AFCON in Morocco, leaving this final Group J match as an opportunity to conclude their campaigns on a high note.
Kenya will be without assistant captain Joseph Okumu and midfielder Amos Nondi, while captain Michael Olunga remains doubtful for the clash.
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15:02 - 18.11.2024
Anthony Akumu reflects on future with Harambee Stars following AFCON failure
Akumu was reportedly inconsolable after Kenya were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in Polokwane last Friday to be knocked out of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Okumu, who plays for Stade de Reims, sustained a groin injury during Kenya's 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe last Friday. The centre-back has been released to his club for further treatment.
“We do not want the injury to worsen, so we have allowed him to go back to his club,” Firat confirmed.
The defender’s absence is a blow, as he has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, including missing 39 days earlier this season due to adductor pain. Firat has decided against calling up a replacement, citing Kenya’s elimination from AFCON contention.
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12:00 - 18.11.2024
Michael Olunga overshadowed as Serhou Guirassy & Sadio Mane dominate 2025 AFCON qualifiers scoring charts
Al Duhail and Harambee Stars striker has struggled to find his scoring form in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, overshadowed by standout performances from the competition's top scorers.
Amos Nondi, a key figure in midfield, will miss the Namibia game due to suspension after picking up two yellow cards during the qualifiers. The Ararat-Armenia player was booked in earlier matches against Cameroon and Zimbabwe.
Adding to Firat’s concerns, Michael Olunga, Kenya’s top scorer in the qualifiers, is battling an injury. The Al Duhail striker, who failed to score against Zimbabwe, did not train with the team on Sunday, leaving his availability uncertain.
Kenya started their qualification journey brightly, amassing four points from their opening two games against Zimbabwe and Namibia. A win and a draw positioned the Harambee Stars as strong contenders to make their first AFCON appearance since 2019.
However, back-to-back defeats to Cameroon in October derailed their momentum, leaving their hopes hanging by a thread. Last Friday’s draw against Zimbabwe sealed their fate, confirming their absence from Africa’s premier football tournament for the third consecutive edition.
Despite these setbacks, Firat is determined to find positives in the Namibia clash. With Richard Odada, the Dundee United midfielder, available for selection, the game provides an opportunity for fringe players to shine and stake their claim for future competitions.
“This is a chance to evaluate other players and start building for the next cycle,” Firat said.
Namibia, who also fell short of qualification, will aim to finish their campaign strongly. The Brave Warriors will look to exploit Kenya’s weakened lineup and give their fans a reason to cheer.
For both teams, this match represents more than just a formality – it is a chance to rebuild, regroup, and reignite hopes for the future.
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