Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has pointed out Zimbabwe and Namibia’s strengths ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Kenya are set to face the COSAFA nations in games that they must win in order to qualify for the finals set to be held in Morocco.
Although Firat is hopeful that his charges are ready to take on the qualifying rivals, he has explained the opponents’ strengths that he says many are not aware of.
“Some people don’t know how strong these teams are. We are aware of it, but it doesn’t change the fact that we want to win.
“The group is very competitive, with some strong teams. Namibia finished second in their World Cup qualifying group, and Zimbabwe have only conceded one goal in the tournament.
“Many of Zimbabwe’s players are professionals in top leagues such as Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Premier League. They are a complete team with no key players missing,” Firat said, as quoted by a local publication.
To win, the tactician has said that Harambee Stars must press and capitalise on the mistakes the opponents will likely make.
“We understand the need to press our opponents and capitalize on their vulnerabilities. We won’t open up the game, knowing that both Zimbabwe and Namibia tend to sit deep,” he added.
Meanwhile, after Adam Wilson and Ian Otieno suffered injuries, Firat called up Daniel Sakari and Brian Bwire to fill the voids. The two have already joined their teammates in South Africa.
Kenya and Zimbabwe will face off on Friday, November Polokwane, before facing Namibia at the same venue on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Harambee Stars are third in Group J, and with four points, they must beat Zimbabwe and Namibia to have their AFCON dream remain much alive. Should Zimbabwe fail to beat Cameroon, that will be a big boost for Kenya’s hopes to grab a ticket to Morocco.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Byrne Odhiambo, Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire
Defenders: Daniel Anyembe, Amos Wanjala, Amos Nondi, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Charles Momanyi, Eric Ouma, Daniel Sakari, Abud Omar
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Marvin Nabwire, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Austine Odhiambo, Ronney Onyango, Alfred Scriven, Leshan Mootian
Forwards: Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire
