After a lengthy absence due to a FIFA suspension, Kenya and Zimbabwe are set to reignite their rivalry on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the Mandela National Stadium Namboole. The match marks the return of both teams to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Originally scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, the game was postponed by 48 hours and will now kick off at 4 PM local time.
Kenya head coach Engin Firat, leading the team for his first AFCON match, is determined to put on a strong performance despite the absence of key players like Michael Olunga. “We’ve trained diligently, and our players are ready to take on Zimbabwe,” Firat stated.
Several notable players will miss the match due to various reasons, including injuries and club commitments. Tobias Knost, Collins Sichenje, Ian Otieno, Daniel Anyembe, Timothy Ouma, and Michael Olunga are all unavailable for the game.
Despite the absences, Firat remains confident in his team’s ability. “We have a deep pool of talented players, and we’re ready for the game,” he added.
Both teams return after missing the last qualifying campaign
Kenya last participated in the AFCON in 2019 and aims to qualify for their sixth tournament. They are grouped with Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Namibia in Group J, with the top two teams advancing to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Zimbabwe, also returning from a FIFA ban which stopped them from making their fourth consecutive appearance at the continental tournament. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with four losses in their last seven matches.
Zimbabwean coach Michael Nees expressed his anticipation for the match. “It’s going to be an exciting game,” he said. “Kenya has some dangerous strikers, but we’ve analyzed their strengths. We’ve been working together for a while, and I believe we can control their attack.”
The clash between Kenya and Zimbabwe promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams seek to make a strong statement in their return to AFCON competition.
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