Contents
- Competition: AFCON - Qualification
- Date: 19.11.2024
- Kickoff: 13:00 UK / 14:00 CET
- Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane)
As the final round of AFCON qualifiers approaches, the picture in Group J is clear. Cameroon and Zimbabwe have already locked in the top two spots, securing their places in Africa’s premier football tournament. Unfortunately, Kenya and Namibia have fallen short of qualification.
Still, Kenya can walk away from these qualifiers with their heads held high. Despite a lack of a strong footballing tradition, they’ve made steady progress, proving that every point matters. They managed two draws against Zimbabwe, claimed a win over Namibia in their first meeting, and suffered two respectable defeats to Cameroon, the strongest team in the group. While this last match won’t change their fate, it’s far from meaningless. As a co-host of the 2027 AFCON alongside Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya will use this game to fine-tune their squad for the future.
Namibia, on the other hand, heads into this match buoyed by a morale-boosting draw against Cameroon in their previous game. After four straight losses, they fought hard to secure a point against a far superior and more experienced opponent. While Cameroon had already qualified, Namibia’s grit and determination deserve recognition. That single point saved them from finishing the qualifiers empty-handed.
Why Kenya Has the Edge?
Kenyan football has been on an upward curve in recent years. Known for their raw athleticism and stamina, the team is now adding tactical maturity under Turkish coach Engin Firat, who’s been in charge for three years. During his tenure, Kenya has made noticeable strides forward.
This game gives Kenya the perfect opportunity to finish the qualifiers on a high note. Although they didn’t break into the top two, it’s an excellent chance to build confidence ahead of upcoming challenges, including the African Nations Championship early next year and the 2027 AFCON.
Kenya has a slightly stronger squad than Namibia, with momentum on their side. With the added motivation to set the tone for what’s ahead, they are well-positioned to claim victory in this matchup.
Kenya vs Namibia Head to Head (H2H) stats
-
Namibia
1 : 2
Kenya
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
-
Kenya
1 : 0
Namibia
CAF World Cup Qualifiers
-
Namibia
1 : 0
Kenya
CAF World Cup Qualifiers
-
Namibia
2 : 1
Kenya
CAF World Cup Qualifiers
Kenya team news
Team Kenya is a mix of players from African clubs and those playing abroad. The standout stars are forward Michael Olunga, who plays for Al-Duhail in Qatar, and center-back Joseph Okumu, a key defender for French club Reims.
Last matches of Kenya
-
Zimbabwe
1 : 1
Kenya
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
-
Kenya
1 : 1
South Sudan
African Nations Championship Qualification
-
South Sudan
2 : 0
Kenya
African Nations Championship Qualification
-
Kenya
0 : 1
Cameroon
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
-
Cameroon
4 : 1
Kenya
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
Kenya lineup
Goalkeeper
-
23
Omondi
Defenders
-
24
Anyembe
-
2
Okumu
-
4
Omurwa
-
3
Khamis
Midfielders
-
16
Onyango
-
6
Akumu
-
17
Nondi
-
13
Otieno
-
9
Ayunga
Forwards
-
14
Olunga
Namibia team news
Namibia’s brightest star is their captain and striker, Peter Shalulile. A dominant force in South African football for nearly a decade, Shalulile has enjoyed tremendous success with Highlands Park and Mamelodi Sundowns, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s top talents.
Last matches of Namibia
-
Namibia
0 : 0
Cameroon
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
-
Lesotho
1 : 0
Namibia
African Nations Championship Qualification
-
Zimbabwe
3 : 1
Namibia
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
-
Namibia
0 : 1
Zimbabwe
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
-
Namibia
1 : 2
Kenya
Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
Namibia lineup
Goalkeeper
-
23
Maova
Defenders
-
4
Hanamub
-
6
Katua
-
5
Hambira
-
12
Eib
-
20
Kamberipa
Midfielders
-
7
Hotto
-
18
Petrus
-
14
Ngaruka
-
10
Tijueza
Forwards
-
13
Shalulile
Kenya vs Namibia key betting facts
- Kenya has a strong squad with key players like Michael Olunga and Joseph Okumu
- Namibia relies on the leadership and skill of striker Peter Shalulile
- Kenya's tactical improvements and stronger team give them the advantage
Main prediction Kenya - Namibia
Kenya to win
Best Odds:
Additional predictions
Kenya & Namibia current standing in Africa Cup of Nations Qualifications
Group J | P | W | D | L |
G - A
|
GD | Pts | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cameroon | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6 - 1 | +5 | 11 |
2 | Zimbabwe | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 5 - 2 | +3 | 9 |
3 | Kenya | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 - 7 | -3 | 5 |
4 | Namibia | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 - 7 | -5 | 1 |