Avire stars as impressive Harambee stun Brave Warriors in Afcon qualifiers

John Avire celebrates after scoring for Harambee Stars. [Harambee Stars,X]

John Avire produced a man of the match performance, scoring an opener as Harambee Stars beat their hosts Brave Warriors of Namibia 2-1 in Tuesday's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Orlando Stadium, in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The victory saw Kenya go joint-top in Group J with Cameroon on four points after the Indomitable Lions were frustrated to a barren draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Kampala, Uganda.

This is the type of display that under-fire coach Engin Firat wanted after they were forced to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their opening group match in Kampala on Friday. The Turkish tactician was definitely a happy man as his decision to include natural strikers in the starting line up paid off.

But having come off the bench against the Warriors at Mandela National Stadium, Avire proved why he was a perfect replacement for the injured captain Michael Olunga upfront when he broke the deadlock with a brilliant free kick in the 58th minute.

With the ball placed a few yards outside the box after a barren first half, the Porto Suez striker comfortably curled the ball past a hapless Namibia goalkeeper Lloyd Junior Kazapua to the delight of Harambee Stars technical bench.

A few moments later, overlapping left back Eric Ouma set up the second goal after racing from his own half following a counter attack to pass the ball to the onrushing Duke Abuya in the box. The Yanga midfielder made no mistake to give Kenya a two goal cushion in the 76th minute.

Two minutes later, Firat made a tactical change bringing in defender Omar Abud for Avire while Victor Omune replaced his striking partner Jonah Ayunga in the 89th minute.

However, Orlando Pirates striker Deon Hotto pulled a goal back for the South Africans with a last gasp powerful free kick that left Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Omondi stranded.