AFCON 2025: Poor Harambee Stars drop points against Zimbabwe

A victory in the opening game would have provided a significant confidence boost for either side in the remaining matches in a tough group that also includes Cameroon and Namibia. Instead, the goalless draw leaves Kenya with much to ponder ahead of their next match against Namibia next Tuesday.

The absence of star striker and captain Michael Olunga loomed large over the game. Olunga, sidelined due to injury, was sorely missed, as the Kenyan side struggled to find a cutting edge in attack.

Olunga’s leadership and goalscoring prowess could have made the difference, but in his absence, Harambee Stars lacked the firepower to penetrate Zimbabwe’s resolute defence.

Head coach Engin Firat’s tactical decisions were also a point of controversy.

In a surprising move, Firat opted to leave all three of his available natural strikers on the bench, including FKF Premier League top scorer Benson Omalla.

Instead, the coach gambled by deploying midfielder Eric Johanna as the centre forward, a decision that did not pay off. Johanna, more accustomed to playing in midfield, struggled to make an impact up front, further compounding Kenya’s attacking woes.

Kenya's attacking struggles were evident throughout the match. Despite some promising build-up play, Harambee Stars rarely threatened Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

The Zimbabwean backline remained largely untroubled, with Kenya failing to register any meaningful shots on target.

The lack of a natural striker in the starting lineup left Kenya toothless in the final third, leading to growing frustration among fans and pundits alike.

Firat’s decision to forgo starting a striker left many questioning the technical bench’s strategy. With three natural forwards available, including the league's top scorer, the failure to start any of them felt like a missed opportunity to test Zimbabwe's defense and apply pressure.

The draw leaves Kenya with work to do as they prepare for their next crucial Group J match against Namibia, scheduled for next Tuesday.

Namibia presents another tough challenge, and Kenya will need to secure a victory if they are to stay on track for Afcon qualification. With powerhouse Cameroon also in the group, Harambee Stars cannot afford any more slip-ups.

However, if they are to book a ticket to Morocco, the Stars must find back their shooting boots immediately.