Why Firat Is Cautious About Harambee Stars’ Chances of Securing Six Points from Their First Two AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Against Zimbabwe and Namibia
Harambee Stars head coach, Engin Firat, believes that securing six points from their first two AFCON 2025 qualifying matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia would be a “dream start” in their quest to qualify for the tournament, which will be held in Morocco in December 2025.
Firat and the team traveled to Uganda on Monday to begin preparations for their opening match against Zimbabwe, which will take place at the Nelson Mandela Stadium. The Harambee Stars are hosting their home games there due to the lack of FIFA and CAF-approved stadiums in Kenya.
Kenya has faced numerous challenges, including the inability to play home matches within the country. Firat has also struggled with an incomplete squad, with key players like Michael Olunga sidelined due to injury and others, such as Zak Vyner, unable to participate due to passport issues, despite declaring for Kenya. Despite these setbacks, Firat hinted that his team is capable of competing with any of the teams in their group, which also includes Cameroon, but he remains realistic about the difficulties ahead.
“It would be a dream start, but I have great respect for my rivals, and I know how strong they are,” Firat told the media last Sunday.
“We will give it our best effort. I don’t have the ideal squad, and our preparations have not been perfect. I have no guarantees. I’m not here to make bold statements, but I want people to expect a team that will fight until the very last second.”
Last November, Firat outlined the team’s ambitions for the tournament, with the primary goal of not only qualifying but also making it to the knockout rounds for the first time in Kenya’s history.
“AFCON is different now because, typically, there are only four teams in each group, and two advance. Therefore, qualifying for the next AFCON in 2025 is, in my opinion, a must.”
“I’ve told the players that this time, it’s not enough just to qualify like before—we should aim to advance from the group stage.”
