Kenya will host Namibia in their last group J match as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers conclude.Harambee Stars opted to host the match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, the same venue where they played Zimbabwe last week.With both teams out of contention for tickets to next year’s AFCON finals, both teams will seek to win the match as it will have a positive impact as far as FIFA standings are concerned.Mozzart Sport looks at five key battles that are likely to determine the outcome of the match.John Avire vs Ivan KamberipaWith captain Michael Olunga doubtful for the match due to injury, Avire is expected to start on the left side of the attack as part of the expected changes by coach Engin Firat.##NAJAVA_MECA_8508826##The Egyptian club Misr El Makasa striker came from the bench in Stars’ draw against Zimbabwe but is now the likely candidate to come into the team.The 27-year-old had a good game against Namibia in the first leg as he opened the scoring for Kenya with a sublime second-half free kick. He will be looking forward to replicating the same form in the second leg and increasing his tally with the national team.The former Sofapaka man will however have to deal with Orapa United defender Ivan Kamberipa who has been preferred on the right side of defense by coach Collin Benjamin.Johnstone Omurwa vs Peter ShalulileWhy FKF is poised to sack coach Engin FiratOmurwa who plays for Saudi second-tier side Abha will be tasked with leading the Harambee Stars defense in the absence of assistant captain Joseph Okumu who is also doubtful for the match.Okumu was withdrawn at halftime against Zimbabwe with Tusker FC captain Charles Momanyi taking his placeOmurwa, who started the match against Zimbabwe alongside Okumu before being joined by Momanyi, was one of the highly-rated Kenyan players in that disappointing draw.The former Wazito FC defender will be up against experienced Mamelodi Sundowns forward Peter Shalulile who is expected to lead Namibia’s hunt for goals.The battle between the two is most likely to affect the game with the winner most likely to also be on the winning side.Jonah Ayunga vs Charles HambiraKenya’s hunt for goals will be led by Jonah Ayunga who plies his trade with Scottish Premiership club St. Mirren.The English-born striker partnered captain Michael Olunga upfront against Zimbabwe and scored his maiden goal for the national team with his 52nd-minute equalizer.With the likely absence of Olunga due to injury, the 27-year-old will be the main man and will look to increase his national team tally.Harambee Stars seek consolation win in final AFCON 2025 qualifier against NamibiaExperienced TS Sporting defender Charles Hambira will be the man tasked with stopping Ayunga from scoring.The 34-year-old will be banking on his experience to emerge the victor in the battle.Duke Abuya vs Aprocious PetrusFirat faced criticism for starting the match against Zimbabwe without a creative midfielder with both Duke Abuya and Austin Odhiambo starting from the bench.The Yanga midfielder is likely to get the nod against Namibia and will be tasked with not only supplying the strikers with balls but also finding the back of the net himself as he did in the first leg.In that venture, he will be facing opposition from Cape Town City defender Petrus who plays as a defensive midfielder for his country.This is another critical battle that will influence the outcome of the match.Richard Odada vs Deon HottoNamibia coach explains significance of dead rubber clash against Harambee Stars Odada will most likely return to the starting 11 after missing the previous match due to suspension with his role being to link the defense with the attack.The Dundee United midfielder will also have defensive duties and will most likely been tasked to man utility man Hotto.Hotto scored Namibia’s goal in the first-leg loss to Kenya and will want to be on the winning side in addition to finding the back of the net this time round.Firan and Collin Benjamin will all be keen to win the match as a consolation after they failed to drive their respective teams to the 2025 AFCON.Tuesday16:00: (1.60) Cameroon (3.60) Zimbabwe (6.75)16:00: (2.30) Kenya (3.10) Namibia (3.40)18:00: (1.30) Egypt (5.20) Botswana (11.0)18:00: (2.45) Mauritania (3.10) Cape Verde (3.15)19:00: (2.90) Congo (3.05) Uganda (2.65)19:00: (1.25) DR Congo (5.40) Ethiopia (15.0)19:00: (2.20) Guinea B. (3.30) Mozambique (3.40)19:00: (1.07) Ivory Coast (12.0) Chad (28.0)19:00: (1.22) Mali (6.00) Eswatini (14.0)19:00: (1.25) South Africa (5.40) South Sudan (15.0)19:00: (3.45) Sierra Leone (3.15) Zambia (2.25)19:00: (2.95) Tanzania (3.00) Guinea (2.65)22:00: (1.18) Senegal (7.00) Burundi (16.0)***odds are subject to change***
