Harambee Stars edge Namibia in 2025 Afcon qualifier, top Group J

The win saw Kenya get their qualifying campaign back on track following a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe last Friday in their opening Group J fixture played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.

The three points took Harambee Stars to the top spot in the group jointly with Cameroon on four points but Kenya boasts a superior goal difference.

Kenya was headed for a 2-0 win but the Brave Worriors got their consolation deep into stoppage time courtesy of Deon Hotto who whipped a free-kick not far over Bryne Omondi’s bar.

Avire and St. Mirren's talisman Jonah Ayunga, who made his debut with the national team replacing Eric Johana, were entrusted by head coach Engin Firat with a goal searching mission as the gaffer made three changes to the starting 11 that faced Zimbabwe.

Ayunga replaced Eric Johanna while Avire and Amos Nondi came in for Alphonce Omija and Austin Odhiambo respectively.

Namibia’s first half dominance almost got rewarded but their goal was ruled out for offside.

Harambee Stars came with a different gear in the second half, showing their intent to earn their first three points and keep their qualification hopes alive after the drab draw against Zimbabwe.

Duke Abuya saw his shot saved by Namibia's shot-stopper Loydt Kazapua in the 50th minute, just four minutes after Stars survived hosts' scare with the goalpost coming to their rescue.

Avire then opened the Stars' account a minute to an hour mark, after slotting in the top right corner from an excellent free kick, leaving Kazapua with no chance to save the shot.

Namibia tried to respond immediately but Stars captain Joseph Okumu led his side in defending well and putting the Brave Warriors' attackers at bay.

In the 77th minute, Namibia were caught on the break as Eric Marcelo Ouma pounced on a loose ball following their unsuccessful attack, used his pace to run down on the left side, shrugging off Namibia's defender to cross the ball in the middle for Abuya who made no mistake in converting.

With 11 minutes left to play, danger man Avire was substituted for Kenya Police's left back Abud Omar to offer more defensive cover on the left side of the attack as Eric Ouma Marcelo moved further forward.

Namibia would later score a consolation goal in the dying embers of the game through Daniel Hoto, to reduce the goal deficit to a goal with the game ending seconds later.

The win means Harambee Stars lead group J on four points, level with Cameroon who were held to a barren draw by Zimbabwe in an earlier match.

Kenya will play Cameroon in a double header during the October international break in the matches that will define the bearing of the group.

Group leaders and runners-up will qualify for the AFCON 2025 tournament set for Morocco.

The last time Kenya qualified for the continent’s top competition was in 2019 in Egypt.