Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will face an acid test this evening as Harambee Stars take on hosts Zimbabwe in their Group J qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.Due to a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which deemed Zimbabwe’s facilities inadequate to host AFCON qualifier matches, the Warriors have chosen South Africa as their alternative home venue.For Harambee Stars to keep their qualification dreams alive, they must secure a win against Zimbabwe and follow it up with another victory against Namibia on Tuesday. Additionally, Zimbabwe must lose or draw their final group match against Cameroon.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494769##After the disappointment of missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Kenya made a promising start to their 2025 AFCON campaign, earning four points from their first two games in September.However, their hopes were dashed in October when they faced the formidable Cameroon, losing both encounters — 4-1 away and 1-0 in their “home” fixture, held in neighbouring Uganda.As a result, Kenya’s chances of qualifying are now hanging by a thread. A defeat tonight would end their hopes, while only a win would keep the battle for second place alive until the final group match against Namibia. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will travel to Cameroon for their final match.Olunga promises to put smiles on Kenyans faces after Zimbabwe clashUnder coach Engin Firat, Harambee Stars have struggled on the road, losing their last two games and posting a record of five wins and five losses in their last ten away fixtures.However, they have a solid record against Zimbabwe, having never lost to the Warriors in five previous encounters, with three wins and two draws.In their 11 encounters played to date, Zimbabwe have only won once with the win coming back in the CECAFA finals in 1985, three years after their first-ever meeting. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8494751##Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have made an impressive return to continental competition. The Warriors remain unbeaten in the qualifiers so far, drawing their two matches in September before securing back-to-back wins over Namibia last month.With their qualification hopes resting on a point or better against Kenya, they have built a solid foundation under the leadership of coach Michael Nees, who took charge in late July.Nees has instilled a robust defensive system, with the team conceding only one goal in the competition to date.However, Zimbabwe’s preparations for this match have been disrupted by heavy rains in Polokwane, which rendered the training pitch waterlogged and prevented any significant exercises on Wednesday.5 key battles expected in Harambee Stars’ crunch 2025 AFCON qualifier against ZimbabweDespite this setback, Zimbabwe will be confident in their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025, especially with several players familiar with South African conditions due to their club commitments.Nees has urged his players to remain focused: “We’re in a good position and want to control our fate, but that doesn’t mean we can afford complacency. We must make a final push, and I’m confident in our team’s spirit and ability to achieve this goal.”Team NewsZimbabwe suffered a setback on Wednesday when it was confirmed that Nantes forward Tino Kadewere would miss the match due to injury. There is also concern over the fitness of Munashe Garananga, who was sidelined during Superliga side Copenhagen’s match against AGF over the weekend.##NAJAVA_MECA_8494745##For Kenya, coach Firat has made several changes for this month’s matches. Patrick Matasi has been dropped from the squad and replaced by KCB’s Farouk Shikalo in goal. Other notable omissions include Zak Vyner of Bristol City, Geoffrey Ochieng, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, and Chris Erambo. On the positive side, Amos Wanjala has earned a call-up to the national team.AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS – QUALIFIERSWednesday Namibia – Cameroon 0-0Liberia – Togo 1-0 (0-0)/Sangare 83 pen/Chad – Sierra Leone 1-1 (1-1)/Thiam 34 pen – Dumbuya 29/Thursday Equatorial Guinea – Algeria 0-0Lesotho – Central African Republic 1-0 (0-0)/Mokhachane 51/South Sudan – Congo 3-2 (2-2)/Ezibon 31, 45+2, Elly 84 – Ibayi 26, 35/Burundi – Malawi 0-0Madagascar – Tunisia 2-3 (2-2)/Memmiche 20 og, Amada 45+3 – Rafia 6, Ltaief 39, Abdi 90+3/Rwanda – Libya 0-1 (0-0)/Saad Mohamed 84/Niger – Sudan 4-0 (3-0)/Sosah 6, 45+3 pen, Oumarou 29, Badamassi 51/Benin – Nigeria (1-0)/Tijani 16/Burkina Faso – Senegal (0-0)Friday 16.00: (2.35) Botswana (2.75) Mauritania (3.50)16.00: (2.95) Uganda (3.00) S.Africa (2.65)19.00: (2.60) Cape Verde (3.05) Egypt (2.70)19.00: (4.80) Eswatini (3.45) Guinea B. (1.80)19.00: (4.20) Mozambique (3.20) Mali (2.00)19.00: (3.90) Zambia (3.20) Ivory Coast (1.95)19.00: (2.60) Zimbabwe (2.90) Kenya (2.85)22.00: (3.20) Angola (3.10) Ghana (2.40)22.00: (5.40) Gabon (3.50) Morocco (1.72)Saturday 19.00: (3.30) Ethiopia (2.75) Tanzania (2.45)22.00: (2.45) Guinea (3.10) Dr Congo (3.15)***odds are subject to change***
