AFCON Qualifying Preview: Kenya vs Zimbabwe - Analysis and Insights

With the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations, more fondly known as AFCON, kicking off in December next year, the first matches of the qualifying stages get underway during the Premier Leagues international break.

Two teams who didn’t qualify for the last edition, Kenya and Zimbabwe, open their campaigns against each other in what promises to be a fascinating affair.

In this preview, we will dive into the nitty-gritty of both sides, looking for key players, strategies and potential absences that could decide which way the game swings.

Kenya vs Zimbabwe recent form

Home side Kenya have been on an excellent run of form lately, losing just 1 of their last 8 fixtures, and conceding just four goals in that time.

That run of fixtures has included a draw with West African giants Cote d’Ivoire, as well as two wins over Zimbabwe, something that appears to be a good omen.

Former Moldova coach Engin Firat took over the national side in 2021, and has slowly but surely shaped them into a well organized side which, despite lacking in the big names of the past, has plenty to offer all over the pitch.

Zimbabwe come into this one looking a little more frail. They have lost 4 of their last 6, including defeats to minnows Lesotho, 2 less than convincing victories over Comoros and a 10 man Zambia.

They have also never beaten Kenya in their competitive history. The two nations have played four times since 2008, and on three of those occasions, Kenya won by two goal margins, with the single draw between them ending goalless. Once again, this could be seen as an ominous sign for Zimbabwe.

Kenya vs Zimbabwe Recent meetings

• 02/07/2024: Kenya 2-0 Zimbabwe.
• 26/03/2024: Zimbabwe 1-3 Kenya.
• 22/06/2008: Zimbabwe 0-0 Kenya.
• 14/06/2008: Kenya 2-0 Zimbabwe.

Kenya vs Zimbabwe Team News

Both nations have played each other twice this year, and have fielded almost totally different sides in each. Obviously, this makes predicting potential lineups and squads very tricky.

However, given the dominant 2-0 win in their last meeting, Kenya are likely to pick a similar starting 11. This starting was entirely made up of domestic players, and as my knowledge of the Kenya first division is limited, I will avoid making any incorrect statements about players I am not familiar with.

The same goes for Zimbabwe, but they are likely to welcome more change to their squad than their opponents given their poor recent form and need for change.

Kenya vs Zimbabwe predicted lineups

Kenya: Odhiambo (GK), Omija, Owino, Wanjala, Onyango, K. Odhiambo, Erambo, A. Odhiambo, Onyango, Olunga, Beja.

Zimbabwe: Donovan (GK), Takwara, Godknows, Hativagoni, Banda, Musona, Munetsi, Hachiro, Mureremba, Benhura, Kadewere.

Kenya vs Zimbabwe Key Player

One of the very few players to play their football outside of their home nation, Michael Olunga is Kenya's main man up top.

Playing in the Saudi league for Al Duhail, and scoring a hat trick in his first game of the season against Qatar SC, Olunga has shown he is a striker of real quality.

He has only played four games for his country in 2024, but in that time he has bagged five goals, showing every bit why he was seen as a desirable enough asset to ship to Saudi Arabia.

While it is not confirmed he is in the squad yet, Kenya would benefit from his presence, and if he is indeed available, Kenya's victory could become a routing.