Harambee Stars 2025 Afcon hopes ended by Zimbabwe

Harambee Stars' hopes of qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations were on Friday extinguished after battling to a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

Stars needed a win against the Warriors to stand a chance to qualify for the continental showpiece but a resilient Zimbabwe stood their ground to hold Kenya, ending their AFCON dream.

Tawanda Mwasanhise's opener in the 32nd minute was cancelled by Jonah Ayunga's goal in the 52nd minute, but a draw was enough to see the Warriors through.

Only Kenya had a chance to block their way, as the only other ticket of Group J had been seized by five-time African champions Cameroon.

Zimbabwe looked bright from the start and would have had a lead earlier on but Johnstone Omurwa produced a vital block to rescue the Stars.

Harambee Stars utility man Rooney Onyango then missed a glorious chance seconds before Zimbabwe got the opener, which looked like punishment for the unconverted opportunity by the Gor Mahia man.

Stars came with a different gear in the second half and found an equaliser through St. Mirren's forward Jonah Ayunga who was netting his first international goal, after the goalkeeper had blocked Michael Olunga’s shot to his path.

The Engin Firat-led side showed desire to find the winner but Zimbabweans resulted to defensive tactics, which smothered Kenya’s efforts.

John Avire and Austine Odhiambo were brought in towards the death, but they could barely turn around Stars' fortunes.

It was the fourth game Harambee Stars were dropping points in the qualifying matches after a double defeat to 2017 AFCON winners Cameroon and now a second draw to Zimbabwe.

They will now play Namibia on Tuesday in a dead rubber fixture, their last qualifier in their group.

Kenya currently sits third on the log, with five points while Namibia is last with only two.

The last time Harambee Stars participated in AFCON was in 2019 in Cairo, Egypt under then coach Sebastian Migne.

Kenya will now have to wait for 2027 to compete as a co-hosting nation alongside Tanzania and Uganda.