Duke Abuya (front L) of Kenya and Munashe Garananga of Zimbabwe compete for the ball during the group J match in the African Cup Nations qualifiers between Kenya and Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
KAMPALA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya and Zimbabwe have settled for a goalless draw in a Group J match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, in Kampala, Uganda.
Kenya's Harambee Stars were forced to play a home game at a neutral venue since they currently don't have a stadium that fulfills the standards of the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.
Ten minutes into the match, Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi punched out of danger a shot by Eric Johanna. Kenya later got another chance, but Rooney Onyango failed to head the ball into the net.
Kenya made a quick substitution when Amos Nondi replaced injured Omija who had collided with goalkeeper Bryne Omondi.
In the second half, Khama Billiat and Prince Dube led Zimbabwe to put the Kenya defenders under pressure. Jordan Zemura had a goal-bound shot cleared away by Kenyan defender Joseph Okumu on 50 minutes, while Kenya saw Austin Odhimabo's shot cleared off by defender Godknows Murwira.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat told Xinhua after the match that they created few scoring chances and should have taken them.
"This is Football you must always try to use the opportunities created. We shall now regroup and travel to South Africa where we play our next match against Namibia in a few days," Firat said.
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees also said his team was not sharp at goal. "We need to improve in our next match against Cameroon that we shall host at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda," he added.
A record 48 nations are playing in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The tournament, Africa's biggest Football showpiece, will be hosted by Morocco next year. ■
Erick Otieno (R) of Kenya and Tawanda Chirewa of Zimbabwe compete for the ball during the group J match in the African Cup Nations qualifiers between Kenya and Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
Erick Ouma (R) of Kenya controls the ball during the group J match in the African Cup Nations qualifiers between Kenya and Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
Erick Ouma (R) of Kenya and Walther Musona of Zimbabwe compete for the ball during the group J match in the African Cup Nations qualifiers between Kenya and Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
Players of Zimbabwe pose for group photos before the group J match in the African Cup Nations qualifiers between Kenya and Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
Players of Kenya pose for group photos before the group J match in the African Cup Nations qualifiers between Kenya and Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)
