Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat says it has been disappointing for him and his team after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, but they have to stand up again when they face Namibia in their last game of the year on Tuesday 19 November.Kenya, entering the last two matches of the November qualifiers, needed two wins to at least stand a chance at making their first trip to the biennial continental tournament since 2019.Scottish-based Jonah Ayunga on how his family in Kisii reacted to maiden Harambee Stars goalThey however stumbled at the first time of asking, drawing 1-1 against TZimbabwe, a fact that Firat admits has not been lost on his players.Speaking ahead of their match against Namibia at Peter Mokaba Stadium, Firat said: “Honestly, motivating the boys has not been easy. Friday’s game was for them and for all of us disappointing as we all wanted to go the AFCON.##NAJAVA_MECA_8507690##”The last two days have just been on mental motivation and bringing us together to understand that in football, every day comes with its aims and sets of targets.”Comparing football to a boxing match, the 54-year-old said that having faced adversity, it was time for Kenya to “stand up, show character, and punch back.””If things go wrong and you give up, then you have nothing to do with sport,” he added.A look in Engin Firat’s 3-year Harambee Stars tenure delivering three competitive winsHis task of leading his team off on a positive could be hampered by a new set of injuries, as Firat confirmed the unavailability of center-back Joseph Okumu, who is back at Stade de Reims, and the possibility of skipper Michael Olunga missing the Namibia clash with a knock.”There is very little chance with Olunga,” Firat said, adding that the striker will have a last-minute test on Tuesday morning.Michael Olunga among three Harambee Stars’ injury doubts ahead of Namibia clashIn addition, right-back Amos Nondi will miss the tie having picked a suspension.”When you look at Namibia, their team, and how they are performing in the World Cup qualifiers, we don’t expect a walk in the park,” Firat said. “The game will not be as easy as the first leg as they also want to end their year on a positive.”Tuesday’s game kicks off at 1600 EAT.
