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Why Firat's blame game won't take Kenya back to Afcon finals next year

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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat (left) and his assistant William Muluya during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers Group J first leg match against Zimbabwe at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda on Friday. [Courtesy, Standard]

Kenya's head coach, Engin Firat, is under fire after the Harambee Stars' uninspiring 0-0 draw against low-ranked Zimbabwe in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier last week on Friday.

Instead of accepting responsibility for his team's tactical failings and questionable lineup decisions, Firat shifted blame, criticizing Kenya's poor sports infrastructure and a lack of support for football development in the country.

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