Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has shared his frustrations after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Kenya’s hopes were dashed following a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. The result leaves Harambee Stars with no chance of advancing, as Cameroon and Zimbabwe have already secured their spots in the tournament.
Kenya will face Namibia next Tuesday to wrap up Group J action, but the match will have no impact on the standings.
“I understand the frustration back home as we wanted to qualify. The players gave everything they had, and there’s nothing more I can ask of them,” Firat said after the match. “This is football, and sometimes it doesn’t go your way despite your best efforts.”
Firat, who took over as head coach in 2021, has faced criticism for Kenya’s lackluster performances, managing an average of only one win per year during his tenure. He acknowledged the team’s ongoing struggles, pointing to unpaid wages and structural challenges in Kenyan football.
“But maybe it’s time for us to stop dreaming and face reality. We need to evaluate what we have and work with it. The issues in Kenyan football are bigger than just the team on the pitch,” the Turkish tactician remarked.
Firat also cited injuries to key players Ayub Timbe and Juma Masud as factors that impacted Kenya’s lack of creativity and goal-scoring in the Zimbabwe match.
With Cameroon leading the group on 11 points, followed by Zimbabwe with 9, Kenya sits third with 5 points, and Namibia trails with 1 point.
Attention now shifts to the 2027 AFCON tournament, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. However, some Kenyan fans have already called for Firat’s dismissal, citing his inability to deliver results.
The journey ahead for Harambee Stars remains uncertain as frustrations mount among fans and stakeholders alike.
