Iran-based midfielder Teddy Akumu has hinted at retiring from the national team, Harambee Stars, after they failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.Akumu was inconsolable when the team drew 1-1 against Zimbabwe on Friday, ending their hopes of traveling to Morocco.##NAJAVA_MECA_8507720##It took coach Engin Firat to convince the player to join the rest of the team in the dressing room after the match, as he wept outside, unable to believe what had transpired.“After the disappointment of missing out on the 2019 edition, though we had qualified, I knew this was my last chance. After the draw was made, we didn’t care who we were playing against. Our target was to get out of the group,” he explained in an interview.“Considering my age, I knew that if we had qualified, I would have had a chance to play at the biggest showpiece in African football at 33. Having been part of the campaign from the start, it seemed doable. Now that it didn’t happen, it’s going to be difficult to do this again.”“By the time the new campaign begins, there will be younger players, and I’m not sure if I will be considered again. Though I’m not counting myself out, this may just have been my last campaign,” he revealed.Muguna calls on TV, radio stations to employ retired football playersAkumu was a pivotal player during this campaign and featured in all the qualifying matches despite being without a club for a long period.He moved to Iran three months ago, signing a two-year contract with top division side Kheybar Khorramabad, and attributes his fitness to discipline.“Before going to Iran, I had been without a club for one and a half years, but I stayed fit and was always ready in case I was called up or a transfer window opened for me to join a club. As a player, it is key to maintain discipline on and off the pitch, and that has been the reason for my longevity,” he revealed.Akumu made his national team debut in 2011Photos of TP mazembe Women cause stir online as netizens react
