The men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, will meet Namibia on Tuesday evening as they aim for a positive finish in the qualifiers having missed a ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 tournament.
Kenya’s qualification hopes were dashed on Friday after a costly 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe left Kenya with a mathematically insurmountable gap with only match left.
Engin Firat’s side has struggled in the qualifying campaign, earning just five points from five matches.
Their tournament began with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, followed by a 2-1 win over Namibia.
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However, they suffered back-to-back losses to Cameroon, 4-1 in Yaoundé and 1-0 in Uganda before a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe last Friday ended any hopes of qualification.
On the other hand, Namibia, currently bottom of Group J, have only one point, which they secured in a 0-0 draw against Cameroon.
Their campaign has also been challenging, with losses to Cameroon, Kenya, and Zimbabwe before earning the draw with Cameroon.
The match will kick off at 4 p.m. East Africa Time on Tuesday at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
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Harambee Stars Team News
Kenya will be without several key players for the match. Amos Nondi is suspended, while Joseph Okumu has been ruled out due to a groin injury, with Firat confirming that Okumu will return to his club.
“We do not want the injury to worsen, so we have allowed him to go back to his club,” said the coach.
Michael Olunga, who missed the previous match against Namibia, may also be sidelined after picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
Firat will have to make adjustments to his lineup with Charles Momanyi, Richard Odada, Duke Abuya, and John Avire potentially stepping into the starting XI.
Namibia coach Collin Benjamin has not reported any injuries or suspensions, so his team will be at full strength for the match.
Possible Lineups
Kenya
Bryne Odhiambo (GK), Daniel Anyembe, Joseph Omurwa, Charles Momanyi, Eric Ouma, Antony Akumu, Duke Abuya, Richard Odada, Rooney Onyango, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire
Namibia
Maova; Kamberipa, Eib, Hambira, Katua, Hanamub; Tjiueza, Ngaruka, Petrus, Hotto; Shalulile
Head-to-Head
In their last four encounters since 2008, both Kenya and Namibia have won twice, with no draws:
Kenya 2
Namibia 2
Current Form
Kenya:WLLLDD
Namibia:LLLLLLD
Prediction
Both teams will be looking for three points in this fixture.
Namibia will hope to boost their morale with a win, while Kenya will be eager to finish the campaign on a high and ease some of the pressure surrounding their performance.
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