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 58^th 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.