Following their encounter with Zimbabwe, the Harambee Stars will travel to South Africa to take on Namibia on Tuesday, the 10th.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars begun their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with a barren draw against The Warriors of Zimbabwe in their opening Group J match played in Kampala on Friday evening.
The Harambee Stars began the match without their prolific striker Michael Olunga, sidelined due to injury. Although Kenya dominated possession in the first half, Zimbabwe created the better chances. A tense moment came in the 36th minute when a long pass from Zimbabwe penetrated deep into Kenya’s penalty area, only for Zimbabwe’s attacker to miss it dramatically.
The Warriors were back again with a threatening opportunity four minutes before halftime with a one-on-one chance, but Kenyan goalkeeper Byrone Odhiambo skillfully parried the ball down, securing an easy follow-up save.
Kenya started the second half with high pressing, yet their lack of sharpness in the final third prevented them from breaking the deadlock, despite Zimbabwe's solid defensive line.
In the 79th minute, Zimbabwe almost took the lead, but a brilliant bicycle kick clearance from Kenyan captain Joseph Okumu foiled a dangerous cross.
On the opposite end, Eric Otieno found himself in a promising position after receiving a neat pass in the penalty area, but Zimbabwe's seasoned goalkeeper, Washington Orubi, rushed out and made a brave save to deny him.
In the end, Zimbabwe sneaked away from Kampala with a point as the two teams failed to break the deadlock at the end of 90 minutes
In the next Group J clash, Cameroon will face Namibia in Douala on Saturday. Following their encounter with Zimbabwe, the Harambee Stars will travel to South Africa to take on Namibia on Tuesday, the 10th.
GROUP J
Kenya
Cameroon
Zimbabwe
Namibia
KENYA FIXTURES
Kenya vs Zimbabwe- Uganda on 6th September
Kenya vs Namibia – on 10th September