Harambee Stars will host Zimbabwe in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers set to be played in Uganda on Friday 6 September.This will be the first game in Group J that also boasts Namibia and Cameroon as group members even as the teams battle to book a place in the 2025 AFCON finals.The last time the two teams clashed was back in June in a COSAFA Cup group stage match where the Harambee Stars won 2-0.##NAJAVA_MECA_8312564##The match will see some exciting and experienced players from both sides come head to head. For that reason, Mozzart Sport explores five key battles that are anticipated in the match between the two countries.Marshall Munetsi vs Kenneth MugunaThere will be a battle to control and influence the game between Zimbabwe’s defensive midfielder Marshall Munetsi and Kenya’s attacking midfielder Kenneth Muguna.Munetsi, 28, who is Joseph Okumu’s clubmate at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims will be looking to use his experience and skills to control matters in the middle of the park.World Media Family signs Khorramabad midfielder Teddy AkumuThe former Orlando Pirates midfielder will be up against Kenya’s Kenneth Muguna, an attacking midfielder who has been one of coach Engin Firat’s first names on the team sheet.Muguna will be tasked with providing passes to the strikers and creating chances for the team and to do that, it will be interesting to watch how he battles with Munetsi.Khama Billiat vs Amos NondiZimbabwe’s danger man Khama Billiat returns to the national fold from retirement after a three-year absence.##NAJAVA_MECA_8312565##The 34-year-old who prefers playing as a winger is currently turning out for Yadah Stars in Harare, Zimbabwe.The returning Billiat was described by Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat as a ‘very good player’.Billiat will however have to contend with Kenya’s Amos Nondi who turns out for FC Ararat-Armenia.Why solid defence will be key in Harambee Stars’ quest for 2025 AFCON TicketNondi is the likely candidate at right back for Kenya after Daniel Anyembe pulled out of the squad and Rooney being preferred as a winger in the national team.The 25-year-old, who is originally a midfielder likes to overlap on the right side so Billiat will equally have to be watchful of him when Kenya is in possession.Erick Ouma vs Tawanda ChirewaNicknamed after Brazilian fullback Marcelo for his overlapping nature, Erick Ouma is an integral part of Harambee Stars’ set-up in both the defensive and offensive approach.##NAJAVA_MECA_8317128##However, Marcelo will have a big task in his primary defensive role on Friday in the name of 20-year-old Tawanda Chiwera who plays for EFL Championship club Derby County on loan from English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.This is Chiwera’s first call up and it will be interesting to see how he fairs against the evergreen Marcelo considering that both sides depend on the flanks to supply the strikers.The speedy winger will be hoping to emerge victorious in the battle as a way of impressing the away fans.Price and how to buy Harambee Stars tickets for AFCON qualifier against ZimbabweBenson Omala vs Gerald TakwaraWith Harambee Stars’ main striker and team captain Michael Olunga a huge doubt for the match, Engin Firat will most likely depend on Benson Omala for the goals.The 2023/24 FKF Premier League Golden Boot winner will be under pressure to perform and fill in the shoes of Olunga and lead Kenya to glory.The former Gor Mahia striker will however have to deal with Zimbabwe’s experienced center-back Gerald Takwara who plays for Iraqi Stars League club Al-Minaa.##NAJAVA_MECA_8316057##Takwara has been a key figure in The Warriors’ defense over the years and there will be a new challenge for him in the name of Omala.This will be a key battle which Kenya will be hoping to win to increase their chances of emerging victorious in the match.Rooney Onyango vs Divine LungaThe Gor Mahia wingback will be hoping to replicate the excellent display that he showcased when K’Ogalo won 5-1 against El Merreikh Bentiu in a CAF Champions League preliminary match.Where to watch Kenya vs Zimbabwe 2025 AFCON qualifier liveFirat has preferred using the Gor Mahia defender as a right winger in the national team due to his attacking threat.The Turkish-Cypriot head coach said in a past interview that sometimes Olunga fails to score for the national team due to dysfunctional wings and so Rooney will be expected to be at his best to reduce the pressure on the Kenyan striker.The 24-year-old will be up against Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga who is almost certain to start at left back.This will be a good duel for football observers considering Lunga also poses a threat on the overlap.In conclusion, the match between Kenya and Zimbabwe will be won by the team that wins most individual battles to help their team win the main war.
