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Discover the key challenges and milestones Harambee Stars will face on their journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Harambee Stars are set to make a triumphant return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, drawing Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in Group J for the 2025 edition.
The draw, held by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Johannesburg, South Africa, brings excitement and challenges for Kenya’s national team.
Pulse Sports looks at five crucial facts you need to know about Harambee Stars’ journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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10:56 - 05.07.2024
AFCON 2025: Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat reveals what excites him about qualifying draw
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has reacted to the qualifying draw for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which saw Kenya pooled with Cameroon, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
1. The return after a hiatus
Kenya missed the qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON edition held in Ivory Coast due to a FIFA-imposed ban.
The ban resulted from government interference allegations after the then Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Amina Mohamed, disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) office, leading to the formation of a six-man Normalization Committee.
This disqualification halted Kenya’s momentum and ambitions making their return for the 2025 qualifiers a highly anticipated comeback.
Harambee Stars are eager to make up for lost time and prove their mettle on the continental stage.
2. Group of challenges
In the recent draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Johannesburg, South Africa, Harambee Stars were placed in Group J.
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16:18 - 04.07.2024
AFCON 2025: Harambee Stars to face Cameroon in tough group
Harambee Stars have been faced in a very tough AFCON 2025 qualifying group, which will include a tricky double-headed encounter against Cameroon.
This group includes formidable opponents such as Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are perennial AFCON contenders, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the group.
Namibia and Zimbabwe are also strong teams, making Group J a highly competitive one for Kenya.
3. Recent performance and current form
Harambee Stars are concurrently participating in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Their journey so far has been a mixed bag: a 2-1 defeat against Gabon, an impressive 5-0 victory over Seychelles, a 1-1 draw with Burundi, and a goalless stalemate against African Champions Ivory Coast.
With five points, Kenya sits fourth in the six-team Group F, trailing leaders Ivory Coast by five points.
This ongoing campaign will be instrumental in building the team’s form and confidence heading into the AFCON qualifiers.
4. Historical context and previous setbacks
The 2025 AFCON edition will be hosted by Morocco, marking the second time the North African nation has hosted the tournament, the first being in 1988.
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13:27 - 04.07.2024
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England is facing a tactical dilemma with five key players at risk ahead of their crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.
Originally scheduled to host in 2015, Morocco withdrew due to the Western African Ebola virus epidemic fears.
The rescheduled tournament promises a vibrant and competitive atmosphere, and Kenya aims to be part of this historic event.
For Harambee Stars, qualifying for Morocco 2025 would not only be a redemption story but also a significant milestone in Kenyan football history.
5. Scheduling challenges and potential disruptions
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco, marking the second time the country has hosted the tournament since 1988.
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16:47 - 04.07.2024
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The event is set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This scheduling is unique due to FIFA expanding its Club World Cup competition to 32 teams, which will take place in June and July 2025.
Additionally, the expanded Champions League in Europe has added match days in late January, further complicating the traditional AFCON schedule.
These changes mean that clubs and national teams alike will need to navigate a crowded and potentially disruptive calendar.
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