Harambee Stars knocked out of AFCON 2025 after 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe

Harambee Stars in action against Zimbabwe in the AFCON 2025 Qualifier on November 15, 2024. [Photo: Zimbabwe FA, Twitter]

Harambee Stars' hopes of making it to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have ended after a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in a crucial Group J qualifier.

The result at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on November 15, 2024, confirms Kenya’s elimination from the continental tournament set to be held in Morocco.

The game marked a significant milestone for Zimbabwean football, as the Warriors secured a spot at AFCON for the first time since 2019. This achievement comes on the back of a remarkable comeback from a FIFA ban imposed due to political interference.

Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat, who had recently returned from international retirement, was instrumental in the match, providing an assist for Tawanda Maswanhise’s opener.

Kenya, also recovering from their own recent FIFA suspension, fought back in the second half. Striker Jonah Ayunga equalized, giving Harambee Stars a lifeline, but the effort proved insufficient to turn the tide. With this draw, Kenya remains in third place with no chance of qualifying for AFCON, joining Namibia in early elimination from the group.

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?? 1-1 ??#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/mdEI3RuSJV — Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) November 15, 2024

The draw means Zimbabwe, now on nine points, leads Kenya by four points with one game left against group leaders Cameroon in Polokwane. For Harambee Stars, this marks another disappointing campaign as they miss out on the chance to showcase their talent on the continental stage once again.