The Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, will face Namibia in their second Group J match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.The team aims to get their campaign back on track and qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2019.The two sides last met in 2013, when Kenya emerged victorious. However, the Stars have often struggled in away matches against the Namibia Warriors.Coach Engin Firat faces the challenging task of not only winning the match but also employing tactics that will impress Kenyan fans, who appear to be losing faith in the Turkish coach.Firat is expected to be without key players: lead striker Michael Olunga and defenders Johnstone Omurwa and Alphonce Omija, necessitating a squad reshuffle.Here’s how we expect head coach Engin Firat to line up the team against the Warriors:##NAJAVA_MECA_8324928##Goalkeeper: Byrne Odhiambo OmondiIt was a surprise when Firat handed the Bandari netminder the gloves against Zimbabwe on Friday, replacing Patrick Matasi, who had been Firat’s trusted first-choice goalkeeper since November 2023, after stepping in for Omondi following an injury against Russia last October. Omondi’s performance against Zimbabwe was solid, and we expect him to retain his place against Namibia.Right-back: Amos NondiAlphonce Omija was forced off with a 21st-minute injury against Zimbabwe, ruling him out for today’s match. In his absence, Armenia-based Nondi, who performed well in his cameo, is expected to continue in the backline.Centre-back: Joseph OkumuThe Stade Reims central defender delivered a captain’s performance on his return to competitive action with the national team. All eyes will be on him as he anchors the right side of the defense.Centre-back: Sylvester OwinoOwino’s impressive debut performance and developing chemistry with Okumu make him likely to retain his place ahead of Bandari’s Sharrif Majabe.Left-back: Erick OumaOuma was substituted in the later stages of the Zimbabwe match, raising concerns about his fitness. However, we expect the former Green Commandos player to be fit for the game, with Aboud Omar dropping to the bench.Match Day Alert! ⚽️Namibia 🇳🇦 vs. Harambee Stars 🇰🇪🏟️ Orlando Stadium, Jo’burg, South Africa📅 Today, Tuesday, September 10, 2024⏰ Kick-off: 6:00 PM Local Time | 7:00 PM EATCome on guys, we can do this! 💪 #Tunaweza #HarambeeStars #AFCON2025Q pic.twitter.com/cEi2keljW2— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 10, 2024 Central Midfield: Antony Akumu and Richard OdadaAkumu has been a mainstay in the Harambee Stars midfield since 2022, consistently performing even during challenging periods. The partnership between Akumu and Odada is strong, and they are expected to continue controlling the midfield as Kenya aims to win more possession and set up progressive plays.Attacking Midfielder: Austin Odhiambo Odhiambo has been impressive since his debut for the Stars. He has shown the ability to change the game with a single pass and is expected to start ahead of Police midfielder Kenneth Muguna, who may come on as an impactful substitute.Harambee Stars eye win against Namibia in 2025 AFCON qualifierLeft Wing: John AvireWith Firat criticized for not deploying enough offensive players against Zimbabwe, he is likely to introduce more attackers in this match. Avire is an ideal option after Erick Omondi’s struggles on his return to the national team. Avire’s pace and ability to cut inside make him a threat in front of goal and given his international experience, he is likely to start ahead of Otieno and Patrick Odhiambo.Right Wing: Rooney OnyangoOnyango is expected to start as a right winger, having established himself as a crucial member of the team. His ability to stretch the play and influence the game in the final third makes him a valuable asset.Namibia coach highlights Harambee Stars strengths ahead of AFCON qualifierCenter Forward: Benson Omala Omala has quickly adapted to Firat’s methods in the national team. With Olunga out for today’s game, Firat is unlikely to take risks and may opt for a natural goal poacher, which Omala provides. Jonah Ayunga and Victor Omune could come on as impactful substitutes.
