Harambee Stars will lock horns with Zimbabwe on Friday in a must-win match for Kenya if they are to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The Group J fifth-round match will be played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa from 1900 hrs.Ahead of the match, Kenya is third in the group with four points while Zimbabwe are second with eight points.AFC Leopards financial woes deepened by delay of October salariesKenya must therefore get maximum points from the match to keep their qualification hopes alive while Zimbabwe will need at least a draw to qualify.It will therefore be a high-stakes match with both countries keen to deploy their A-game and book their place in the continental tourney.While the match will be a hotly contested encounter, there are battles expected in all areas of the pitch and Mozzart Sport looks at five key battles that may determine the winner.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494769##Michael Olunga vs Gerald TakwaraHarambee Stars captain Michael Olunga missed the first leg between the two sides back in September which ended in a stalemate.His absence was a big blow to coach Engin Firat and the coach’s decision to play The Warriors without a striker demonstrated the significance of the Al Duhail man.The former Gor Mahia striker is on form for his club and won the Qatari Stars League October’s Player of the Month following a stellar performance that saw him score three goals and provide one assist.Analysing Leonardo Neiva’s poor record at Gor Mahia that got him sackedGerald Takwara will be the man tasked to stop any attempts by Olunga to find the back of the net.The experienced defender who plies his trade with Iraqi Stars League club Al-Minaa has been the epicentre of The Warriors’ defense over the years and will also look to use his experience to stop the Al Duhail all-time top scorer.Rooney Onyango vs Godknows MurwiraGor Mahia’s Rooney Onyango has established himself as a key player for coach Firat and one of the first names in his team sheet.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494829##Originally a right-back, the former Wazito FC player has been used mainly as a winger in the national team due to his threat going forward.Rooney will be expected to feed Olunga from the wing in order to maximize Olunga’s aerial threat. Furthermore, Firat once said that Olunga sometimes struggles for the national team due to dysfunctional wings which shows the importance of wing plays to him.However, Rooney will have to deal with 31-year-old CAPS United defender Murwira who has proven to be a dependable rock for his country in these qualifications.Michael Olunga wins award in QatarRichard Odada vs Marshall MunetsiDundee United midfielder Richard Odada is expected to play in the central midfield position for Harambee Stars in Polokwane.Odada will be tasked with controlling the midfield and influencing the game as a link between the defense and attack.As was the case in the first leg, the former Red Star Belgrade man will battle it out with Joseph Okumu’s teammate at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims. Munetsi will be tasked with the same role for Zimbabwe.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494796##The former Orlando Pirates man has been a key figure for Zimbabwe in midfield and it will be interesting to watch who wins this battle. The winner is likely to be on the victorious side.Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma vs Walter Tatenda MusonaMarcelo has been one of the outstanding players in the Harambee Stars squad over the years.His excellent ability to defend as well as the attacking threat he provides on the overlap spiced with his consistency has made him a fan favorite.Boost for Harambee Stars ? Zimbabwe Star is ruled out of Friday’s clashThe Polish side Rakow Czestochowa defender provided the best chance for Harambee Stars to score in the first leg and will be keen to influence the game more on Friday.Walter Musona is also a key attacking asset for Zimbabwe and will once again go against Marcelo on that left wing as was the case in the first leg.Musona comes on the back of scoring a brace in Zimbabwe’s last match against Namibia and will be keen to continue from where he left it.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494775##Anthony Akumu vs Khama BilliatAt the heart of Kenya’s midfield will be Kheybar Khorramabad player Anthony Akumu.The former Kaizer Chiefs man has on several occasions been praised by Firat for his performances for the national team. IIn a recent interview, Akumu said that he is looking forward to qualifying for AFCON after missing out on the 2019 squad.Why Gor Mahia sacked coach NeivaThe 32-year-old will be up against another experienced player in Khama Billiat who has mainly been deployed as a central attacking midfielder since his return from retirement.Despite being 34 years of age, Billiat is still a threat and so his battle with Akumu will be key in determining which of the two sides carries the day.The team that wins most of these individual battles will most likely emerge the winner and book a place in the continental tourney.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494745##The 2025 AFCON will be held from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026 in Morocco.
