As one of the feature fixtures in the latest round of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this week, Kenya’s Harambee Stars oversaw an impressive 2-1 win against Namibia in their second Group J tie at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
There were little to separate the two nations in Johannesburg after 15 minutes on the clock while the possession count was evenly shared during the early stages of the tie.
Namibia went on the attack midway through the first-half but were swiftly shut down by the Kenyan midfielders at the time. At the other end of the pitch, Kenya looked dangerous in counter attacking situations.
The referee put an end to the first 45 after limited scoring opportunities were produced by both sides throughout the half.
Kenya eventually took the lead moments before the hour-mark after being awarded a free-kick in an inviting position just outside the area. In stepping up to the spot, Lloyd Kazapua was unable to keep the attacker’s curling effort at bay.
The Harambee Stars are played with a lot more confidence after taking the lead, however, Namibia often took the direct approach at every attacking play going forward.
Despite Namibia troubling the Kenya goal on numerous occasions, the Harambee Stars doubled their advantage in the 76th minute as Duke Abuya added his name to the scoreboard.
Then, after a late attempt to affect the scoreline, Deon Hotto netted a consolation goal deep into stoppage time, however the versatile star’s effort proved to be too little too late as Kenya bagged maximum points after the final whistle.
Namibia: (0) 1 (Hotto 95’)
Kenya: (0) 2 (Avire 58’, Abuya 76’
Namibia: Kazapua, Hambira, Amutenya (Katua 64’), Hanamub, Kamberipa, Shidolo (Karuuomble 64’), Petrus, Hotto, Tjiueza, Shalulile, Muzeu (Nduenyema 84’)
Kenya: Omondi, Ouma, Owino Chino, Okumu, Onyango (Muguna 59’), Abuya, Odada, Akumu, Avire (Omar 78’), Ayunga (Omune 89’), Nondi
