Kenya’s national soccer team, the Harambee Stars, have been drawn in Group J alongside Namibia, Zimbabwe, and the illustrious five-time champions, Cameroon, for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers. This tournament will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The AFCON qualifiers provide a significant opportunity for the Harambee Stars to re-establish themselves on the African football stage. After being sidelined due to a FIFA suspension that prevented them from participating in the qualifiers for the previous edition, Kenya is eager to make a strong return. Their last appearance at the AFCON was in 2019, held in Egypt, where they crashed out in group stage.
Group J offers a balanced mix of teams, each with their strengths and ambitions. Namibia, known for their resilient play, and Zimbabwe, with their dynamic style, are both eager to qualify for the tournament. Despite their storied history and recent successes, Cameroon, while a formidable opponent, does not make the group particularly daunting. The top two teams from this group will earn a spot in the tournament, making every match crucial.
The Harambee Stars are determined to break through and secure qualification. Facing teams like Namibia and Zimbabwe presents a manageable challenge. Both teams are competitive, but Kenya’s potential to advance should not be underestimated. Cameroon, with their impressive track record, represents the most significant hurdle, but they are not invincible.
Kenya’s strategy will likely focus on solidifying their defense while capitalizing on scoring opportunities against Namibia and Zimbabwe. A strong performance in these matches could pave the way for a successful qualifying campaign. The full draw for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers presents a competitive field:
• Group A: Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros, Gambia
• Group B: Morocco, Gabon, Central Africa, Lesotho
• Group C: Egypt, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Botswana
• Group D:Nigeria, Benin, Libya, Rwanda
• Group E: Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Liberia
• Group F:Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Niger
• Group G:Ivory Coast, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Chad
• Group H:DR Congo, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia
• Group I:Mali, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Eswatini
• Group J:Cameroon, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe
• Group K:South Africa, Uganda, Congo, South Sudan
• Group L:Senegal, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Burundi
