Kenya’s camp in Polokwane, South Africa, is brimming with confidence as Harambee Stars gear up for two crucial African Cup of Nations (Afcon) Qualifiers, set to face Zimbabwe and Namibia in match-day five and six.
Unbeaten in their last 12 encounters with Zimbabwe, Harambee Stars remain cautious of the Cosafa side, who held them to a nil-all draw in the campaign’s opener at Namboole Stadium in Uganda in September this year.
That result threw Kenya’s qualification hopes into uncertainty.
Adding to the challenge, last month’s back-to-back losses against five-time Afcon champions Cameroon further dimmed Kenya’s chances of returning to the continent’s premier football stage, placing even greater weight on this Friday’s match against the Warriors at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Despite the mounting pressure, midfielder Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu is confident Harambee Stars will defy the odds and secure crucial wins in the upcoming fixtures.
“We understand the importance of the two games ahead of us and this is football,” Akumu declared. “There are already people who have written us off, but we still have games to play. As players, we’re committed to doing our best. From the playing unit we promise to do our best as usual and we have the zeal to win in both matches and it is very much possible to achieve our goals and make it to the 2025 Afcon from this group.”
The combative midfielder, based in Iran and a mainstay under coach Engin Firat, appealed for unwavering support from Kenyan fans as they look to turn the tide.
“I humbly ask our fans to keep supporting us; they shouldn’t lose hope. As players, we are committed to giving our all for the country,” Akumu added.
“We know some results haven’t been in our favor, but we’re focusing on the positives from our games against Cameroon as we prepare for the upcoming matches.”
At 32, Akumu, with 60 caps since his debut in 2011, is eager to fulfill his long-standing ambition of playing in the Afcon, having narrowly missed out on the 2019 edition in Egypt under former coach Sébastien Migné.
“For me personally, playing at the Afcon would mean a lot. I was part of the core team last time but didn’t make the final squad. It’s my prayer that we make it to Morocco next year; that would be a big milestone in my career,” he shared.
Meanwhile, team captain Michael Olunga and Dundee United midfielder Richard Odada are among the foreign-based players who have joined the camp in Polokwane.
Akumu, Duke Abuya and John Avire travelled with the squad from Nairobi on Monday morning.
