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Mulama has explained why he is sure Harambee Stars will qualify for the 2025 AFCON set to take place in Morocco following the draw.
Former Kenyan international Titus Mulama has expressed unwavering confidence in the Harambee Stars' prospects of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Following Thursday’s draw, Mulama, who earned 71 caps for Stars before hanging his boots internationally in 2012, believes Kenya has been placed in a favorable group, boosting their chances of making it to the tournament.
A Favorable Draw
Kenya has been drawn into Group J, where they will face Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The top two teams in the group will secure spots in the AFCON tournament, set to kick off in December 2025.
The Harambee Stars will begin their campaign with a home match against Zimbabwe, followed by an away fixture against Namibia.
Mulama, who was a key player in Kenya’s 2004 AFCON squad, views this draw as a golden opportunity for Kenya to advance.
“The players on the pitch must know that they are playing for the Kenyan flag and must do their best because this is a good chance to qualify without many qualms, as top in the group or at worst as the second-best team in the group. But I am confident that we are heading to Morocco, I have no doubts whatsoever,” he stated as quoted on Mozzart Sport.
Analysing the Opponents
Mulama offered an optimistic assessment of Kenya’s opponents in Group J, suggesting that on paper, the Harambee Stars have a relatively easy path to qualification.
“Cameroon has never been a big problem for Kenya. As for Zimbabwe, we recently played against them with a young team and we won. Namibia is not a big threat to us, and for me, we can easily top this group,” he explained.
Mulama further noted that Cameroon, traditionally a strong team, has not been performing at their best and could be vulnerable. “Cameroon has not been at their best, and they can lose even to smaller sides.”
Keys to Success
Despite his confidence, Mulama emphasized the importance of proper preparation and strategy. He called for meticulous planning, the right player selection, and optimal fielding to ensure Kenya’s success in the qualifiers.
“We just need to prepare well, make the right selection, and call the right players. The project should be sealing qualification, and to achieve that, we must have the right players, prepare them well, and field the right players,” Mulama advised.
Aiming for a Return to AFCON
Kenya last appeared at the AFCON in 2019, held in Cairo, Egypt, where they exited at the group stage. Mulama’s optimism and strategic insights provide a beacon of hope for Kenyan football fans as the Harambee Stars aim to return to the continental showpiece.
With the right preparation and determination, the Harambee Stars have a prime opportunity to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON and make their nation proud. As Mulama aptly puts it, “We have a chance of emerging top.”
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