Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has opened up on the common weakness affecting all Group J nations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers that commence this week.Kenya was pooled alongside five-time African winners Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, and face a tough challenge, with the top two teams from the group advancing to the tournament finals. Kenya last participated in the AFCON back in 2019, exiting at the group stage hurdle, and missed the 2023 edition due to a FIFA suspension.##NAJAVA_MECA_8308778##Harambee Stars will begin their qualifiers with a home clash against Zimbabwe on Friday in Uganda, followed by a clash against Namibia four days later in South Africa.Speaking ahead of the qualifiers, Firat noted that the group consists of teams with different struggles, many of which are defensive in nature. He believes this makes the group wide open, emphasizing the importance of mental readiness.“All of the teams have their own weaknesses… all of them struggle, honestly, when they are playing against teams that sit so deep. So until the last match, the group will remain open, and that’s why it is important for us to be mentally ready,” Firat said on Sunday.Bandari coach set to work with makeshift players for key positionHe further highlighted that the tricky nature of the group requires Harambee Stars to be mentally prepared to represent the country strongly. “For us, we have to be mentally ready for the challenges. No matter rain or sunshine, we have to go out and play for ourselves and for the country.”Kenya has a history of dominating meetings against Zimbabwe, including their most recent encounter in the Four Nations Tournament in March. However, Firat cautioned against underestimating Zimbabwe, stating that Friday’s match will not be easy.“I am a realistic person… it would be a dream start (a win against Zimbabwe), but we have to respect the opponent. I know they are strong, so we will do our best.”Harambee Stars’ squad to UgandaGoalkeepers: Levis Opiyo, Patrick Matasi, Byrne OmondiDefenders: Sharrif Majabe, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Amos Nondi, Abud Omar, Eric Ouma, Sylvester Owino, and Alphonce OmijaMidfielders: Chris Erambo, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Eric Johanna, Ronney Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Duke Abuya, Timothy OumaForwards: John Avire, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, Victor OmuneLevis Opiyo, Sharrif Majabe named in Harambee Stars travelling squad
