Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony Akumu is already focused on making his mark at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next year should Kenya seal a qualification ticket.After missing out on the 2019 edition, Akumu is determined to help Kenya qualify for the biannual showpiece as the qualifiers begin on Friday.In 2019, Akumu was left out of the squad named by head coach Sébastien Migné for the tournament, which was held in Cairo, Egypt.Kenya was placed in a challenging group alongside eventual winners Algeria, finalists Senegal, and regional rivals Tanzania. Despite losing to Senegal and Algeria, Kenya managed to secure victory against Tanzania, but both teams were ultimately eliminated in the group stage hurdle.##NAJAVA_MECA_8309217##Looking ahead to the 2025 qualifiers, Kenya has been placed in Group J alongside five-time African champions Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.They will kick off their campaign with a match against Zimbabwe on Friday in Uganda, followed by a clash with Namibia four days later in South Africa.Akumu acknowledges that the group is challenging but believes that Kenya has a strong chance of qualifying. The top two teams from the group will advance to the tournament in Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_8308163##”We last played in AFCON in 2019, and we want to be there again next year. However, it is not an easy group, which means we must fight to win our games. I’m confident that we will qualify from our group,” he said in an interview with Passion Sports.Reflecting on his missed opportunity in 2019, Akumu is determined to make amends by leading Kenya to the continental stage and earning his place in the squad this time around.“I missed the AFCON chance in 2019, and I want to play in AFCON next year. We have a chance to qualify this time,” he added. “We have good players, we have support from everywhere, including the fans, and if we step up a little, we will qualify.”Striker Benson Omala shares Akumu’s optimism, expressing confidence in Kenya’s chances. He noted that the team’s preparations have been solid, and he is eager to contribute in the qualifiers.“The preparations have been good. We’ve had a few days of training, and I think the quality is there because everyone wants to be in the final squad,” Omala said.”I am taking these games seriously because I want to participate at the top level, and I think all will be well.”Victor Wanyama on whether he will pursue a coaching career after retirementEngin Firat reveals common weakness in Harambee Stars’ Group J ahead of AFCON qualifiers opener
