admin
Harambee Stars midfielder Leshan Mootian has said the never-die Kenya Defence Forces’ spirit will be on display as Stars face must win against Zimbabwe and Namibia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Mootian, who plays for Ulinzi Stars at club level, says he will treat the two matches like a military deployment assignment.
The Engin Firat-coached Harambee Stars will settle scores with Namibia on November 15 before squaring it out with Namibia four days later.
The all-action midfielder who has served in the military for seven years said: “I consider the opportunity to represent the country like a deployment assignment. I will invoke the spirit of the KDF in South Africa and fight for the country to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. The blessings from my commanders and love of the nation will compel me to give my best in the two matches.”
Stars only realistic chances of qualifying to the Morocco show-piece will be to hope Cameroon does them a favour by beating second-placed Zimbabwe and Stars win both their duels.
Mootian hinted that he wants to leave a legacy in Stars colours should he be given playing time in the team.
“I am sure I will get playing time and help the team secure the ticket to AFCON. I want to be remembered as the player who helped Kenya return to the AFCON. Most importantly, I hope to be part of the team that will make history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bob Oyugi believes Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat must execute a tactical masterclass to stand an outside chance of qualifying to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Already, pressure is building up ahead of the do-or-die matches against both Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The former Gor Mahia coach said with seemingly Harambee Stars having nothing to lose, the boys need to express themselves freely but First needs to be mindful of the balance in the team.
“I wish they could just play well, with a well-balanced team with proper integrations of defence, midfield, and attack. The coach should let our boys just play as if we have nothing to lose,” Oyugi told SportsBoom.
The former international further observed that Kenya’s unpredictability and dynamism gives them an edge. “In Kenya, most of our players are naturally gifted. We have dynamic players like Eric Ouma. Our main strength is unpredictability. They can today beat Cameroon and tomorrow lose to Somalia.”
Oyugi watered down Kenya’s chances but said anything is possible in football only if already qualified Cameroon beat second-placed Zimbabwe and Kenya win both matches. Asked whether Kenya stands a chance to qualify for the AFCON, Oyugi quipped: “They (Harambee Stars) had a good start sitting second on the table behind Cameroon, but losing the two games to the Indomitable Lions killed their chances.
“I don’t want to say they cannot qualify, football is unpredictable and if coach Firat fields a strong team and the players play knowing what is at stake, then they can easily win the two games, and Cameroon do them a favour against Zimbabwe.” — Pulsesports.
Online Reporter