Kenya’s dreams of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been dashed after a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in their penultimate Group J fixture.

The Harambee Stars needed a victory in this encounter to keep their hopes alive ahead of their final match against Namibia. They also required Zimbabwe to lose to Cameroon in their concluding group fixture. However, their aspirations were shattered by the determined Warriors.

Kenya began the match on the front foot, moving the ball around confidently as they sought an early goal to unsettle the hosts. Michael Olunga came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the third minute after receiving the ball inside the penalty area, but Zimbabwe’s Teenage Hadebe produced a perfectly timed clearance to deny him.

Johnstone Omurwa made a crucial intervention for Kenya in the 15th minute, clearing Tawanda Maswanhise’s powerful effort from distance to keep the scores level.

Despite Kenya’s dominance, Zimbabwe took the lead in the 32nd minute with their first shot on target. Tawanda Maswanhise unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, beating goalkeeper Byrne Omondi to put the hosts ahead.

The Harambee Stars had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 37th minute when Rooney Onyango blasted his shot wide after a defensive lapse by Zimbabwe. Eric Otieno was unable to capitalise on the chance, leaving Kenya trailing 1-0 at the interval.

After the break, Zimbabwe appeared more threatening in attack, while Kenya relied on counter-attacks to create opportunities. Coach Engin Firat made changes, bringing on Duke Abuya and Charles Momanyi for Aboud Omar and Joseph Okumu in an effort to revitalise his side.

The substitutions paid off in the 52nd minute when Jonah Ayunga capitalised on a defensive error by the Zimbabwean goalkeeper, who spilled a routine save. Ayunga reacted swiftly, pouncing on the rebound to slot the ball home before a defender could clear it off the line.

Zimbabwe made a defensive substitution at the hour mark, introducing Godknows Murilwa in place of Gerald Takwara. Murilwa nearly restored Zimbabwe’s lead three minutes later, but his hurried effort went wide after connecting with a cross from the left flank.

Michael Olunga had a chance to secure victory for Kenya but failed to convert, as the Harambee Stars struggled to break down Zimbabwe’s resilient defence.

Towards the closing stages, Zimbabwe introduced striker Divine Lunga to bolster their attack. However, Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Omondi remained composed, confidently collecting crosses and long balls to keep his side in the game.

Despite a frantic finish, the Harambee Stars were unable to find the decisive second goal. The draw ensured their elimination from the qualifiers with one match still to play.

How They Lined Up

Kenya: Byrne Omondi, Joseph Okumu, Aboud Omar, Johnstone Omurwa, Amos Nondi, Daniel Ayembe, Eric Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Rooney Onyango, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga

Zimbabwe: Washington Arubi, Gerald Takwara, Peter Garan’anga, Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Andy Rinomhota, Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat