Zimbabwe will aim to secure their place in the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament as they face Kenya at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening. Kick-off is set for 18:00 CAT (SA, GMT+2), and the stakes are high as this Group J qualifying match promises intense action.
Heading into this decisive fixture, Zimbabwe sits in second place in Group J, trailing leaders Cameroon by three points. The Warriors need at least a draw against Kenya to clinch their spot in the upcoming AFCON. The Southern African team has shown solid form, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions. Their campaign has been further bolstered by the return of star player Khama Billiat, who came out of retirement to strengthen the squad’s attacking options.
Kenya, on the other hand, finds itself in a challenging position. Placed third in the group standings, Engin Firat’s side has struggled in recent matches, suffering three consecutive defeats in their qualifiers. Despite a morale-boosting 2-1 win against Namibia earlier in the competition, the Harambee Stars were unable to maintain that momentum. The September match between these teams ended in a goalless stalemate at the Mandela National Stadium, indicating that both sides are well-matched.
What Was Said
Kenya’s head coach Engin Firat voiced his displeasure over Zimbabwe’s choice of venue, citing logistical challenges. "I don't know why they [ZIFA] chose the stadium because it is very difficult to reach the city itself," Firat stated. He noted that after flying into Johannesburg, the team faces a five-hour bus journey to Polokwane, complicating travel arrangements.
Players to Watch
Marshall Munetsi will be a crucial figure for Zimbabwe. Known for his robust defensive skills, the midfielder also poses an attacking threat, having scored three goals in Ligue 1 for Reims this season. His versatility could prove vital for the Warriors as they seek to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities.
For Kenya, Michael Olunga remains the focal point of their attack. The prolific striker, currently playing in Qatar, has a knack for finding the back of the net. He will be aiming to replicate his earlier success, having scored in Kenya’s 4-1 loss to Cameroon in October.
Head-to-Head
Historically, Kenya has had the upper hand in this matchup. In their four previous encounters, the Harambee Stars have won twice, while the other two matches ended in draws. Zimbabwe will be looking to break this winless streak and secure the crucial point they need.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Polokwane to see if Zimbabwe can seal their AFCON spot or if Kenya will spoil their plans with an upset.
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