Kenya’s Harambee Stars secured a vital 2-1 victory over Namibia on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, propelling them to the top of Group J in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The win, earned in second day of the qualifiers, puts Kenya in a strong position as they aim for a spot in the tournament to be held in Morocco.
Namibia was compelled to play at a neutral venue in South Africa, as their home stadiums do not meet the standards required by CAF and FIFA for hosting international fixtures.
Engin Firat, the Harambee Stars’ head coach, made three alterations to the lineup that played against Zimbabwe. Jonah Ayunga was handed his debut, stepping in for Eric Johana, while John Avire and Amos Nondi returned to the starting eleven, replacing Alphonce Omija and Austin Odhiambo, respectively.
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The match began energetically, despite the absence of fans, with Prins Tjiueza testing Harambee Stars’ goalkeeper Bryne Omondi from long range. At the opposite end, Loydt Kazapua nearly had to intervene to stop Jonah Ayunga’s effort, but the shot missed the target.
Rooney Onyango received a yellow card in the 15th minute after fouling Prins Menelik just outside the penalty area. The subsequent free kick was deflected out for a corner, which Namibia was unable to capitalize on.
Deon Hotto came close to scoring after a well-executed move by the hosts, but Kenya’s stand-in captain Joseph Okumu bravely blocked the shot, denying Namibia the lead.
Harambee Stars sought to exploit counter-attacks and had their first real opportunity from a quick transition, with Ayunga firing a shot just wide of the mark.
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As the game opened up, Richard Odada had a prime chance to put Kenya ahead shortly before halftime, but his header from Eric Ouma’s cross sailed over the bar.
The intensity continued after the break, and within three minutes, Petrus Aprocius had an opportunity to put Namibia in front. He outmaneuvered Joseph Okumu and unleashed a powerful shot at the near post, but Bryne Omondi reacted swiftly, tipping the ball onto the post before it was cleared to safety.
Harambee Stars maintained their offensive momentum, and in the 52nd minute, Ayunga’s powerful strike was parried by Loydt Kazapua. John Avire followed up on the rebound, but the Namibian goalkeeper managed to snatch the ball from his feet.
Kenya’s persistence paid off in the 58th minute when John Avire scored directly from a free kick, sending the ball into the net with Kazapua beaten.
Namibia continued to apply pressure and nearly equalized when Tjipe Karuumbo unleashed a powerful shot, but it flew over the crossbar.
A defensive header from the Stars in the 75th minute set off a rapid counterattack, with Erick Ouma racing down the left wing to deliver a precise pass to Duke Abuya, who calmly slotted in Kenya’s second goal.
Namibia managed to score a consolation goal in the dying moments of the match, with Deon Hotto finding the back of the net.
Kenya will next face Cameroon on October 11 in Yaoundé for their third match in the qualifiers, as they continue their campaign to secure a place in the Africa Cup of Nations.
