The France-based defender has shared his thoughts on Kenya’s prospects for qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup, considering their recent performances.
Joseph Okumu, a defender for the Harambee Stars, is optimistic about Kenya’s chances of qualifying for both the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 World Cup.
Kenya has experienced a mixed start in their 2026 World Cup qualification journey, with a 2-1 loss to Gabon on the road followed by a decisive 5-0 victory over Seychelles last November. These results put them at three points in Group F, which also includes African champions Ivory Coast, The Gambia, and Burundi.
With Ivory Coast and Gabon both holding the maximum six points in the group, Kenya faces critical matches against Ivory Coast and Burundi in June. A defeat in these games could jeopardize the team’s position under the guidance of coach Engin Firat. Firat has emphasized the importance of aiming for qualification to the 2025 AFCON as a step towards building a team for the 2027 tournament, which Kenya will co-host with neighboring countries Tanzania and Uganda. However, Okumu believes that Kenya has been underestimated for too long and should consistently be participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.
“It’s crucial for us to qualify for the next tournament,” Okumu stated in an interview with BBC Africa Sports.
“For too long, we’ve been overlooked. I believe we possess the talent and quality to regularly appear at the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Okumu, who plays for Stade de Reims, also suggested that Kenya should set its sights higher, especially since the nation has yet to qualify for a World Cup. Such a milestone would not only be a dream come true for the players but also a significant achievement for the country.
“Qualifying for the World Cup would be a dream come true, not just for us players but for the nation as a whole,” Okumu added.
“We haven’t participated in the Africa Cup of Nations many times, but it would be fascinating to see the country compete in the World Cup. It would be a significant accomplishment.”
Kenya has participated in the AFCON six times (1972, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004, and 2019) but has never advanced beyond the group stages. World Cup qualification remains an elusive goal.
The Harambee Stars were absent from the qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON due to a nine-month FIFA suspension imposed on the country in 2022 for government interference. To make an impact in the qualifiers for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, they will need to perform at their best.
