Kenya – Zimbabwe Draw in AFCON Qualifier

Kenya and Zimbabwe played out a goalless draw in their opening match of the 2025 Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda on Friday.

Despite both teams creating several chances, neither could find the breakthrough. Kenya’s coach, Engin Firat, had to contend with multiple injuries in his squad, which saw him bench regular goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, opting for Bryne Omondi between the posts . 

Zimbabwe fielded a strong lineup featuring stars Jordan Zemura and Khama Billiat . Kenya, however, started the game brightly, controlling the early exchanges. Forward Samuel Abuya squandered two good opportunities, while defender David Odhiambo narrowly missed the target with a powerful strike . 

Despite the attacking intent from both sides, the lack of clinical finishing left the scoreline unchanged at the final whistle ¹. Kenya will face Namibia in their next fixture, while Zimbabwe prepare to take on Cameroon, with both teams still seeking their first win in the qualifying campaign . 

Speaking after the goalless draw in the Group J of the 2025 Afcon Qualifiers, Firat claimed the referee’s biased, saying: 

“There were so many situations where I had no idea what he was seeing. Takwara should have been shown a red card for a dangerous foul in the second half. 

“Billiat should have been sent off for a second bookable offense. Austin was fouled in the box, yet nothing was given. Why is it always us?” 

In response to the criticism, Nees presented a contrasting perspective, praising the referee’s performance despite the high-pressure environment.

“Look from a coaching position, you don’t have the best view if the decisions are always right. You think you have the best view when it’s against your team, you protest, he must have made a mistake and so. But I think he officiated very calm. 

“The yellow card against Khama [Billiat] was correct, yes. Against Gerrard [Takwara], yes, you can give. He didn’t overreact because their bench was always jumping up with every referee’s decision so he stayed calm. I think the referee had a good game. He didn’t get nervous or so.”