Kenya will not take part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Therefore, Cameroon and Zimbabwe have qualified from Group J, with Harambee Stars missing again on a ticket to a tournament they last featured in 2019.

Kenya only needed to win and hope that the Warriors lose their match against the Indomitable Lions in order to qualify for the Morocco finals, but a draw meant their qualification road came to an end.

Meanwhile, it was an ambitious start for Kenya, and they almost scored an opener in the third minute, but Michael Olunga failed to beat his marker, Teenage Hadebe, in a very promising goal-scoring position. The Zimbabwean defender made a crucial clearance, which meant Kenya wasted what was a crucial chance.

After Johnstone Omurwa had saved Kenya from going down, the East Africans conceded moments later. Tawanda Maswanhise scored in the 32nd minute, beating Bryne Omondi in Kenya’s goal to break the deadlock.

There were chances for Kenya to equalise and even go ahead, but Rooney Onyango and Eric Ouma failed to capitalise on them.

With Zimbabwe fighting hard to extend their lead, head coach Engin Firat reshuffled his squad by withdrawing Aboud Omar and Joseph Okumu and introducing Charles Momanyi and Duke Abuya. 

The introduction of the Yanga SC forward brought some spark in Kenya’s midfield/attacking departments as compared with what was witnessed before his arrival.

Equaliser

Finally, Kenya equalised in the 52nd minute, with Jonah Ayunga scoring his first-ever goal for the national team. Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, spilt the ball, and this allowed the Kenyan star to pounce on it and score.

There was a rare chance for captain Olunga to give Kenya the lead in the 67th minute, but it was wasted again with Zimbabwe threatening even more.

With hopes of going to Morocco all but over, Kenya will play Namibia as just matter of programme in the next match.

Kenya starting XI: Byrne Omondi, Joseph Okumu, Abud Omar, Johnston Omurwa, Amos Nondi, Daniel Ayembe, Eric Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Rooney Onyango, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga

Zimbabwe Starting XI: Washington Arubi, Gerald Takwara, Peter Garan’anga, Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Andy Rinomhota, Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat.