Kenya opened up their AFCON 2025 qualifiers with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda on Friday. With the tie, both teams ended up with 1 point in Group J, which also consists of Cameroon and Namibia.
After going into the match as heavy favourites, Kenya will be disappointed with their effort and will likely need a win in their next two matches to qualify for the next round. The last time the teams met, Kenya secured a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in 2024 COSAFA Cup in South Africa. They have also won 6 of their last 11 meetings with Zimbabwe, to go with one loss and four draws.
The match got off to a slow start as both teams couldn’t create any sustained pressure. Despite dominating possession Kenya were unable to create opportunities and were dealt a big blow when Alphonce Omija went down with an injury. He collided with goalkeeper Bryne Omondi and was replaced by Amos Nondi.
Eric Johanna was the first to give Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi any trouble with a shot from outside the box. A few moments later, Rooney Onyango got a free header but couldn’t beat the keeper, directing his effort on the ground allowing Arubi to make a save.
Zimbabwe continued to sit back throughout the first half and relied almost entirely on counter-attacks for chances to score. Their strategy was obvious with Prince Dube placed as the lone striker upfront.
Late in the first half, Zimbabwe had their first real attempt on goal. Joseph Okumu was able to clear the ball away however after Jordan Zemura took a shot from outside which had the Kenyan keeper in trouble.
The first half ended scoreless which seemed to suit Zimbabwe who looked like they were looking for a draw from the start.
Kenya turned up the pressure in the second half and almost had a goal in the 52nd minute via Austin Odhimabo. He struck from the edge of the box but couldn’t beat Godknows Murwira. The next chance was for Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat, but his powerful strike was off the mark, going over the bar.
Jonnah Avire came off the bench to replace Eric Johana and almost broke the deadlock. Just a couple minutes after running in he collected a ball from Eric Ouma but his shot went just wide of the far post.
In the final minutes of the game, Zimbabwe seemed to put all their players behind the ball to frustrate the home side. Still substitute Prince Nxumalo had a chance to snatch the win but somehow the Zimbabwains were able to survive the big penalty appeal.
The match ended scoreless but Kenya was clearly the better team on the day. Both coaches thought they had a chance to win the match but didn’t have luck go their way.
It should be noted that lead striker Michael Olunga was not available for Kenya due to injury. Instead Kenyan coach Engin Firat had to use two players in an attacking role – Duke Abuya, and Eric Johanna. Olunga is scheduled to have an MRI but the team has reported it is unlikely he will participate in the qualifiers.
Next up for the Kenyans will be Namibia on Tuesday, September 10 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa. Namibia have yet to play their first match of the qualifiers which will be against Cameroon tomorrow. Overall, these two teams have been evenly matched in their past encounters, both teams splitting the past for games with two wins each.
Starting Lineups
Kenya XI: Bryne Omondi, Alphonce Omija, Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Rooney Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Duke Abuya, Eric Johana
Zimbabwe XI: Wahington Arubi, Godknows Murwira, Pater Garan’anga, John Takwara, Jordan Zemura, Andrew Rinomhota, Marshal Munetsi, Walter Musona, Khama Billiat, Chirewa, Prince Dube.
