- The Zimbabwe vs Kenya match will kick off at 1900EAT on Friday.
- Zimbabwe is in second place on 8 points and only need a draw to seal an AFCON 2025 spot.
- Kenya is in third place on 4 points.
The men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, is set to battle it out with rivals Zimbabwe in a crunch African Cup of Nation (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match on Friday.
Harambee Stars must win the game scheduled to be played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa in order to stand any chance of qualifying for the continental showpiece.
The Engin Firat-coached side, who have amassed four points from four games, currently sit third in Group J that also has West African power house Cameroon and Namibia.
On the other hand, the Warriors of Zimbabwe have collected eight points from four matches and only need a draw in order to book a ticket to Morocco.
Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions confirmed their qualification on Thursday after playing to a barren draw with Namibia.
The result increased their tally at the top of Group J standings to 11 points while Namibia remained rooted at the bottom with a single point.
Therefore, the only way for Harambee Stars to clinch the remaining spot is by beating Zimbabwe and Namibia in their last two matches.
Moreover, they must hope that the Indomitable Lions do them a favor by overcoming Zimbabwe in their final group fixture.
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What time does Zimbabwe vs Kenya start?
The clash will kick off at exactly 7 pm Kenyan time on Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Zimbabwe vs Kenya Team News
All of Kenya’s big names including Al-Duhail striker Michael Olunga and Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu have all arrived in South Africa.
Firat has made a couple of changes to the squad that suffered two defeats at the hands of Cameroon in October.
He has dropped Kenya Police goalkeeper Patrick Matasi and will miss the services of Gor Mahia ace Alphonce Omija who picked up an injury.
Moreover, the Turkish tactician has given U20 captain Amos Wanjala his first national team call-up, although it is very unlikely that the Spanish-based defender will play on Friday.
As for the hosts Zimbabwe, they do not have any injury concerns ahead of this crucial fixture.
Possible Starting Lineups
Zimbabwe: Arubi, Zemura, Garananga, Takwara, Murwira, Munetsi, Nakamba, Dzvukamanja, Billiat, Musona, Mapfumo
Kenya: Odhiambo, Ouma, Okumu, Omurwa, Anyembe, Odada, Akumu, Abuya, Ayunga, Avire, Olunga
Zimbabwe vs Kenya Head-to-head
Kenya and Zimbabwe have played each other five times in all competitions since 2008 with the East Africans registering three wins. Two of those matches ended in a draw.
Zimbabwe: 0
Draws: 2
Kenya: 3
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Zimbabwe vs Kenya Current Form
Zimbabwe: LDDWW
Kenya: WLLLD
Prediction
Although Zimbabwe has failed to beat Harambee Stars in recent years, they are favourites to win the game due to the calibre of their players on paper.
However, the Kenyans should not be counted out of this match because they are aware of the consequences that a poor performance will have on their AFCON 2025 hopes.
Therefore, football supporters should expect an end-to-end football match with both sides putting everything on the line.
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