AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Harambee Stars tame Namibia to top Group J

Erick Ouma (top) and Duke Abuya celebrate Kenya's second goal against Namibia. Kenya won 2-1.[Harambee Stars,X]

Harambee Stars bounced back from last week’s disappointing draw with Zimbabwe to see off Brave Stars of Namibia 2-1 in their second Group F Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers played at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday night.

Kenya begun the qualifiers with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe last Friday but Stars seemed to have put the disspointing start behind them when John Avire and Duke Abuya struck for Kenya who moved top of Group J above Cameroon with four points.

The Engin Firat charges leapfrogged the Indomitable Lions after the five time champions were held to a 0-0 draw by Zimbabwe at Mandela National Stadium.

Kenya have four points same as Cameroon but sit top with a superior goal scored. Stars have scored two goals compared to Cameroon’s one. Both teams have a goal difference of 1.

 At Orlando Stadium, Engin Firat made three changes to the starting line-up that faced Zimbabwe, as Jonah Ayunga made his debut replacing Eric Johana, with John Avire and Amos Nondi being recalled for Alphonce Omija and Austin Odhiambo, respectively.

After a barren first half, Avire repaid Firat for handing him a starting birth when he found the back of the net from a free-kick in the 58th minute.

With 15 minutes left, Kenya turned defense into attack when a defensive header out from a Namibian corner set piece saw Erick Ouma outpace his marker from the left wing before releasing a low cross into the box that found Abuya open to drill home for 2-0.

 Deon Hotto netted Namibia’s consolation goal at the death after beating Brynne Omondi with a well taken left foot free-kick from the edge of the box.

Kenya won 2-1 and will face Cameroon next on October 7.

The top two teams will qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Morocco.

By AFP 15 hrs ago
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