Former Harambee Stars coaches Francis Kimanzi and Twahir Muhiddin have detailed how Kenya can navigate past Cameroon, Namibia and Zimbabwe and qualify for AFCON 2025.
Former Harambee Stars coaches Francis Kimanzi and Twahir Muhiddin have explained how Kenya can qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations following Thursday’s draw by the Confederation of African Football for the qualifiers.
Kenya finds itself in Group J alongside five-time champions Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
The two former Harambee Stars coaches believe with proper planning, Kenya can secure a spot in the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco.
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Muhiddin highlighted Kenya’s recent performances against top African teams, specifically their last 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against African champions Ivory Coast in Malawi, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
"The team is showing great promise, and I firmly believe they have the ability to compete and triumph against any opponent in Africa,” Muhiddin told Citizen TV.
“The important element is good preparation; sometimes the difference between making it and failing is very small," said Muhiddin.
Kimanzi echoed these sentiments, noting that the landscape of African football is rapidly changing and that there are no longer any small teams. He, however, cautioned Kenya against underestimating Zimbabwe and Namibia.
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"Every game in this group will be crucial. We must approach each match with the determination and focus of a final. Qualification is all about ambition," he added.
“If you have ambition and you want to do it, you can do it. But ambition means preparing well, analysing the group in detail, and working on our strengths," Kimanzi stated.
However, Muhiddin expressed concerns about the potential lack of FIFA-approved stadiums for hosting home matches, warning that this could derail the team's efforts.
As of now, Kenya lacks such a stadium, with both Kasarani, and Nyayo stadiums closed for upgrades.
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"Playing at home provides a significant advantage with the support of our fans. I urge the government to fast-track stadium construction and renovations to ensure our team can compete on home turf," Muhiddin urged.
In June, Harambee Stars hosted their World Cup qualifiers in Malawi against Burundi and Ivory Coast, much to the disappointment of fans.
Head coach Engin Firat also lamented that playing home matches away dealt a significant blow to the team, remarks echoed by captain Michael Olunga in separate interviews.
Harambee Stars are aiming to return to the African Cup of Nations after a six-year absence, but with proper preparation and support, the dream is within reach.