Hraambee Stars held by Zimbabwe in AFCON 2025 qualifiers opener

Harambee Stars were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in the opening Group J match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, played at the Nambole Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Friday.

Stars, who were without injured Captain Michael Olunga, failed to create meaningful chances against the side they beat 3-1 in March, during a Four-Nation Tournament held in Malawi.

The closest Kenya came was in the 82nd minute, when Poland-based Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma found space pull the trigger but the Zimbabwe goalkeeper was alert to deny.

Stars coach Engin Firat was forced to make an early change as Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija limped off, after a collision with teammate Bryne Omondi.

Khama Billiat and Prince Dube were particularly dangerous on Kenya’s goal on several occasions, calling Bryne to action, to keep Stars in the game.

With the telling bluntness in Kenya’s attack, Firat introduced John Avire for Eric Johanna midway second half, but he could not unlock the solid Warriors defense.

Stars will jet out of Kampala straight to South Africa, where they will play their second qualifier against Namibia on Tuesday, in Durban.

Five-time champions Cameroon are the other competitors in Group J, with two tickets up for grabs for the continental showpiece to be held in Morocco.