As Kenya’s Harambee Stars gear up to start their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying journey, former national team coach Jacob Ghost Mulee has shared critical advice for the squad.
Kenya will host their opening match against Zimbabwe at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Friday, September 6, due to the lack of an approved stadium back home.
Drawn in Group J alongside formidable opponents Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, Harambee Stars face a challenging path to qualify for the continental showpiece in Morocco.
Despite these hurdles, Mulee, who last coached the team in 2021 during the World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 edition of the tournament in Qatar, believes Kenya can navigate through the group successfully with the right approach.
Mulee, who previously guided the national team, emphasized the importance of securing victories in all of their designated home games, even if those matches are being held outside Kenya.
“As much as we’re playing our home games away in Uganda, we must make sure we win all of them,” Mulee told Passion Sports.
He also stressed the importance of resilience and determination, urging the team to avoid excuses, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.
“The team is very good. I have confidence in them, and they should go out there and fight without giving any excuses,” Mulee added, signaling his belief in the squad’s capabilities.
The former Tusker FC tactician also highlighted the need for the players to maintain their focus on the pitch, undeterred by potential distractions off the field.
“The players should fully focus on delivering on the field. Distractions off the field should be avoided, whether about bonuses or allowances,” he advised.
Mulee’s call for concentration and commitment comes with a strong historical context. Kenya has a favorable track record against Zimbabwe, with seven wins, four draws, and just one loss in their last 12 encounters.
If the Harambee Stars can replicate this form and heed Mulee’s advice, they stand a solid chance of advancing from a challenging group.
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