Former Zesco United midfielder Anthony Akumu has revealed why he cried following Harambee Stars failure to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Kenya failed to get a ticket to Morocco after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in a 2024 qualifying game in Polokwane, South Africa. The draw ended Kenya’s dream because it meant they were not going to beat the Warriors to the ticket.

Akumu, a former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, has revealed he wanted to be part of the AFCON finals, especially after he was overlooked for the 2019 edition that was held in Egypt.

“I had wanted to qualify because in 2019, I narrowly missed out on the final squad. It was painful not to make the cut, and missing out on qualification for this year’s tournament was even more painful.

“I cried after the Zimbabwe match because I had wanted us to qualify. It meant a lot to me. It was tough to take for the team because we knew we had a chance,” Akumu told a local publication.

McCarthy tipped for success

With Benni McCarthy now in charge, Akumu believes the South African is capable of turning the national side into a competitive outfit.

“I enjoyed playing under McCarthy in the last two games of the World Cup qualifiers. He is a great coach and knows what he is doing.

“We played like that after just three sessions. Just imagine the change we will see when we train longer. I believe he will succeed with the national team because he has already shown what he can do,” the former Gor Mahia midfielder continued.

Kenya have played two games under McCarthy: a 3-3 draw against Gambia and a 2-1 defeat to Gabon, and both are World Cup qualifiers.