Kenya and Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Group J opener played and Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda today.
Kenya were forced to use a neutral stadium away in Uganda as the country, like Zimbabwe, does not have a stadium that fulfills the required standards set by the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to host international matches.
Eric Johanna was the first to trouble the Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi with a shot from outside the box. Moments later, Kenya’s Rooney Onyango could have done better with a free header but with only the keeper to beat, he directed his effort on the ground allowing Arubi to make a last ditch save.
In the 20th minute, the match was temporarily stopped after Kenya’s Omija collided with goalkeeper Bryne Omondi and was replaced by Amos Nondi.
After the restart, Zimbabwe continued to sit back and relied mostly on counter-attacks, especially from their Prince Dube who was a lone striker upfront.
The Warriors presented with a chance late in the half but Joseph Okumu did well to clear away Jordan Zemura’s goal-bound effort, with Brian Omondi well beaten.
Somehow, part of the first half pace was literally pedestrian, something that suited the visitors well. But after the break, the pace turned into frantic effort mostly from the home side as they chased the elusive goal.
Kenya’s Austin Odhimabo came close in the 52nd minute with a strike from the edge of the area that was cleared by Warriors defender Godknows Murwira.
The next clear cut opportunity in the second half fell to Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat, as the striker’s powerful shot from the edge of the area went over the bar.
Duke Abuya instigated a number of attacks for the Kenya, often setting up the likes of Eric Johannah but his shots at goal lacked precision.
Jonnah Avire came off the bench to replace Eric Johannah and almost made an immediate impact as he collected a delivery from Eric Ouma but his shot went just wide of the far post to deny Kenya the lead.
Maswanhise nearly won it for Zimbabwe in the 77th minute but the midfielder’s long-range effort drew a fine save from keeper Brian Omondi.
In the last 10 minutes, Zimbabwe threw all their men behind the ball frustrating the home side but substitute Prince Nxumalo could have snatched the winner at the death as somehow Zimbabwe survived yet another penalty appeal.
Both coaches were of the opinion that the second half was an open affair and with a bit of some luck either side could have won it. Zimbabwe play Cameroon on Tuesday in Uganda in another Afcon qualifier match. (www.pulsesports.co.ke)
