Zimbabwe will face Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, as both teams hope to qualify for next year’s showpiece.
Zimbabwe, just as Kenya, do not have an approved stadium in the country and will be hosting their visitors at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, South Africa. The hosts are on eight points and will only need a point to book their place in next year’s continental showpiece something they believe is achievable.
For Kenya, being third on four points gives them no option but to beat the Zims on Friday. They had started the qualifiers well and were on top heading to match day three only to lose their double header against Cameroon. This is a tie they have to win if they are to return to AFCON since 2019.
H2H / Stats
The reverse fixture between these two sides ended in a goalless draw. But previously;
6/9/2024: Kenya 0-0 Zimbabwe
26/3/24: Zimbabwe 1-2 Kenya
22/6/08: Zimbabwe 0-0 Kenya
14/6/08: Kenya 2-0 Zimbabwe
9/12/89: Kenya 2-1 Zimbabwe
Team News
Zimbabwe has a healthy squad to pick from with the likes of Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nattes) and Marevelous Nakamba (Luton Town) all available for selection. Head coach Michael Nees is expected to field the same team that did duty in their last outing against Namibia.
For Stars, head coach Engin Firat failed to call goalkeeper Patrick Matasi with Bandari’s Bryn Omondi expected to take his place. Captain Michael Olunga has been in some good form and is expected to lead the line as they look for goals.
Probable Line-Up
Zimbabwe XI: Arubi (GK), Hadebe, Murwira, Takwara, Zemura, Nakamba, Rinomhota, Hachiro, Billiat, Kadewere, Mapfumo
Kenya XI: B. Omondi (GK), Anyembe, Okumu, Omurwa, Ouma, Akumu, Odada, Abuya, Avire, R. Onyango, Olunga
Verdict
Kenya has had fewer problems against Zimbabwe in recent meetings but with their hosts out to just get a point, this should be a low-scoring game.
Bet on Under 2.5 Goals
Other Bets
Kenya Win
Reason: The defensive thought that might be deployed by Zimbabwe might work against their favour as Stars will be out to get the points needed to take these qualifiers to the wire.
Michael Olunga to Score
Reason: Olunga became Al Duhail’s all-time goal scorer last week and will be looking to transfer his goalscoring form to national duty where he is eyeing the all-time leading scorer list currently being held by Dennis Oliech.
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