As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers approach, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has shed light on a significant issue that could affect every team in Group J.
Set to begin their campaign on Friday, Kenya finds itself in a group with formidable opponents: Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Firat’s insights suggest that the road to qualification might be more complex than anticipated.
Kenya, aiming to secure a spot in their first AFCON tournament since 2019, will be hosting their home matches in Kampala, Uganda. This arrangement is necessitated by the absence of a FIFA and CAF-approved stadium within the country, adding to the challenges Firat and his team must navigate.
However, the coach believes that the other teams in the group are facing their own unique difficulties, which could level the playing field.
The Cameroonian Football Federation, under the leadership of Samuel Eto’o, has been embroiled in conflicts with the government over coaching appointments, creating instability in their camp.
Zimbabwe has also endured significant challenges, having been banned by FIFA for over a year between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Namibia, like Kenya, is grappling with the issue of inadequate facilities, forcing them to host their home games in South Africa due to the lack of a FIFA-approved stadium.
Firat has also identified a major tactical challenge that all teams in the group will struggle to overcome, potentially making the group highly competitive until the final matchday in November.
“In this group, it is important not to lose. You will see in this group, there won’t be many matches where teams will finish with wins,” Firat remarked.
“All teams are very close to each other and have their own problems. All struggle, especially if they play against teams that sit deep.”
The coach emphasized the importance of mental readiness, acknowledging that unforeseen issues could arise throughout the qualifiers.
“Till the last match, everything will be open in this group. Therefore, it is important that we stay mentally ready. In the future, we might have problems. I have never been in the Kenyan camp without problems, so for us, it is important to stay mentally strong.”
Firat’s message to his players was clear: resilience is key. “I told the players that this is important. Even if we sleep in a park or stay in a tent, we have to fight for ourselves and the people of these countries.”
Kenya’s journey through the qualifiers will undoubtedly be a test of both tactical acumen and mental fortitude as they navigate the challenges posed by their opponents and their circumstances.
