Kenya coach wary of Zimbabwe's firepower in AFCON ...

Kenya coach wary of Zimbabwe's firepower in AFCON qualifiers

Philemon Jambaya

Assistant Editor

Kenya's national football team coach, Engin Firat, has identified Zimbabwe as the biggest threat to his team's qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The draw for the qualifiers placed Kenya in Group J alongside familiar foes Cameroon and Namibia, but it's Zimbabwe that has Firat particularly concerned.

"We are in a tough group, especially Zimbabwe," Firat told Pulse Sports. "They are only in pot four because they dropped down during the ban, but if you look at the quality of their players, most of them are playing in top leagues."

Despite Zimbabwe's recent FIFA ban impacting their ranking, Firat acknowledges the individual talent within the Warriors squad.

"Marshall Munetsi is playing in France, Jordan Zemura is in Italy's Serie A," he listed. "There are players in Ligue 1, and even players like Tino Kadewere. Others are playing in England, such as Leon Chiwome, who is in the Premier League with Wolves."

Firat believes many are underestimating Zimbabwe's strength due to their ranking. "They have some good players," he emphasized. "Of course, people who don't look at this do not realize how strong they are."

While acknowledging the challenge Zimbabwe presents, Firat remains confident in his team's ability to navigate the group. "The other teams, you know the quality of their squads," he said. "It will not be easy, but for us, it will not change anything."

Kenya's coach emphasized a consistent approach. "We want to face every team the same way," he declared. "We will do our best to succeed as soon as possible."

Firat also highlighted Kenya's experience playing away from home, a factor that could prove crucial in their qualification quest. "The good thing about our team is we have now played many matches away from home, so we are not afraid of anyone."

With the qualifiers kicking off between September and November this year, Group J promises an exciting battle for a place at the AFCON finals in Morocco. Kenya will undoubtedly have their work cut out for them, but Firat's comments ensure an intriguing encounter between them and the talented Zimbabwean side.