Uganda to host Kenya’s key Afcon qualifier

Kenya national team head coach Engin Firat has positively welcomed the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) decision to secure a venue in Uganda for Harambee Stars’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying fixture against Zimbabwe on September 6.

With Nyayo Stadium set for closure after hosting FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia and domestic Cup winners Kenya Police, FKF was forced to find an alternative venue for Harambee Stars’ Afcon qualifying matches.

Kenya has been drawn alongside Cameroon, Namibia and Zimbabwe in their quest to qualify for a seventh appearance in the African competition, which will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

Harambee Stars’ opening fixture will see them face the Warriors of Zimbabwe at home on September 6, travel away to face the Indomitable Lions on October 7 then return home to host the same side on October 15.

FKF CEO Barry Otieno confirmed that the federation had secured a venue in Uganda to host Kenya’s fixture against Zimbabwe but could not provide details about the venue for the Group J opener.

“Uganda has given us the opportunity to host Zimbabwe; we are in the final stages of finalizing details on the venue, and we will communicate when we have the venue confirmed,” Otieno observed, as quoted by Flashscore.

According to the Turkish coach, securing a venue in the neighboring nation will help boost the presence of Kenyan fans for the home game.

“Even last time, we tried to play our matches in Uganda, but it was not possible. Now, of course, in these situations, it was the best option, and we are happy that Ugandans are ready to host us,” Firat averred, as quoted by Flashscore.

Kenya hosted Burundi and Ivory Coast at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe during their matchday three and four fixtures of the World Cup qualifiers on June 7 and 11, respectively.

During the Group F fixtures, Harambee Stars drew 1-1 against the Swallows before securing a 0-0 draw against the African champions.

Firat is confident that, with Uganda being close to Kenya, Harambee Stars will enjoy support from their fans away from home.

He further called on fans to travel to Uganda in large numbers to support the team.

“I hope this time fans will come from Kenya because, like I said, it is for our team. We have been playing without our fans for a long time; it will be very important to have their support. We have never had it, and if I say we did, it was only once, in Doha when we played against Qatar and had fan support,” Firat added.

During the friendly fixture against Qatar on September 7, 2023, at Al Janoub Stadium, Harambee Stars enjoyed superb support from Kenyans living in the Gulf nation as they went on to beat the World Cup hosts 2-1, courtesy of goals from defender Joseph Okumu and substitute Amos Nondi.

Firat explained why fan support will be crucial for Kenya: “Otherwise, we have always played on foreign soil, against foreign teams, foreign fans, and foreign referees. If a match is not going well, you need support from the fans, and it is always missing. I hope and wish that we will get it in Uganda.”