2025 AFCON Q: Avire, Abuya propel Harambee Stars past Namibia

Harambee Stars scooped three crucial points after seeing off Namibia 2-1 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The win, which is Kenya’s first in the qualification process, means that Harambee Stars are on top of Group J after an initial goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Kampala, Uganda.

Meanwhile, Kenya were not as clinical as expected in the first half, as their game plan looked disjointed with Namibia showing more determination. The Brave Warriors came close to getting an opener in the opening stage with Prins Tjiueza launching a powerful shot that forced Harambee Stars’ goalkeeper Bryne Omondi into making a crucial save.

With Kenya’s confidence growing at a slower pace, they, however, almost scored an opener when Jonah Ayunga attempted to score from a distance only for his shot to slightly fly off target.

Rooney Onyango was booked in the 14th minute for a foul on Prins Menelik at the edge of the box. The hosts were unable to make maximum use of the chance as Kenya escaped going down from the situation.

Joseph Okumu, Kenya’s captain in the absence of injured Michael Olunga, made a crucial block to deny Deon Hotto a chance to put his country ahead with a clinically taken shot.

Kenya would have registered an opener before the halftime break, but Richard Odada did not find the back of the net at close range after he was located in a good goalscoring position by Erick Ouma.

Finally, the first goal was registered two minutes before the hour mark as Avire scored for Harambee Stars. The former Sofapaka FC striker scored from a freekick that Loydt Kazapua, in Namibia’s goal, could not stop.

Kenya doubled their lead following a swift counterattack engineered by Ouma in the 77th minute. The former Gor Mahia fullback collected the ball and ran down his wing before he spotted Abuya, who scored the second.

The Southern Africans, however, denied Kenya what would have been a second clean sheet in the qualifiers when Hotto scored in the dying stage of the encounter.

Starting XIs:

Namibia Starting XI: Loydt Kazapua, Hanamub Welwin, Charles Ambira, Moses Shidolo, Betuel Muzeu, Prins Menelik, Kennedy Amutenya, Peter Shalulile, Aprocius Megameno, Ivan Kameripa

Kenya Starting XI: Bryne Omondi, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Anthony Akumu, Duke Abuya, Joah Ayunga, Richard Odada, Erick Otieno, Ronney Onyango, Amos Nondi, John Avire