Zimbabwe Vs Kenya Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | AFCON Qualifiers, November 15, 2024

Zimbabwe v Kenya Preview

• Tournament: Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
• Date: Friday, 15 November 2024
• Time: 4:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium

In South Africa, Zimbabwe is playing Kenya at their designated home, Peter Mokaba Stadium, in the Group J clash of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Qualifers in Match Round 5. The hosts are confident in their chances of qualifying as the second-best team from the group, while visitors also have their eye on the second spot with just two games in their hands—a bit of luck is all they would need.

The Warriors (Zimbabwe) are placed second on the points table with 8 points in 4 matches playing two draws and two wins. And, they are unbeaten in the Qualifers alongside the Group J leaders Cameroon. Meanwhile, the Harambee Stars (Kenya) are third with 4 points in as many outings, suffering two defeats and picking up the points in a draw and win over 2-1 Namibia. Despite, two losses, they still have a chance to qualify.

These two sides played out a goalless draw in Round 1 of the qualifiers, as both Zimbabwe and Kenya were unable to break the deadlock and resolved the match by sharing one point each to open their points count in the AFCON Qualifers at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.

Zimbabwe National Football Team News

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees will have all of his key players available for the game such as his first-choice Goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Luton Town midfielder Marvelous Nakamba and the Ligue 1 duo of Marshall Munetsi and Tino Kadewere.

“We are happy about that because we are in a good position heading into the final two matches,” said Nees “We have the qualification fate in our hands and we are in a better position to qualify.”

He added, “We have to achieve that but our good position doesn’t mean that we get complacent, we have to make sure we complete the final step by winning our matches. (Quote via Flashscore)

Kenya National Football Team News

Kenya national team head coach Engin Firat gave Zimbabwe Under-20 skipper Amos Wanjala his first-ever senior team call-up, and there have been two late changes to the 23-man squad announced by the Turkish coach.

Richards Bay shot-stopper Ian Otieno is replaced by Brian Bwire while Right back Daniel Sakari steps in for Adam Wilson who opted out from camp following the passing of his grandmother.

Regular names such as Patrik Matasi, EFL Championship club Bristol City defender Zak Vyner as well as, Geoffrey Ochieng, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino and Chris Erambo all have been dropped from the team for the last two matches.

Also Read: Cape Verde Vs Egypt Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | AFCON Qualifiers, November 15, 2024

Predicted Lineups

Zimbabwe National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Arubi

Defenders: Murwira, Takwara, garananga, Zemura

Midfielders: Munetsi, Nakamba, Rinomhota, Billiat, Musona

Forward: Kadewere

Kenya National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)

Goalkeeper: Odhiambo

Defenders: Sakari, Okumu, Omurwa, Ouma

Midfielders: Odada, Abuya, Akumu, Ouma, Odhiambo

Forward: Olunga

Zimbabwe vs Kenya Head to Head Record

Zimbabwe and Kenya have met only 4 times across various competitions such as AFCON World Cup Qualifers, Freiendly and AFCON Qualifers, the Warriors are searching for their maiden triumph over the Harambee Stars. In four matches, Kenya has two of them while the other two finished on level resulting in a draw. In their recent meeting, these two African nations shared the spoils in the first leg of this fixture on the first Match Day.

Recent Head to Head Record between Zimbabwe and Kenya

Key Players to Watch in Zimbabwe vs Kenya

Washington Arubi (Zimbabwe)

Washington Arubi plays his club football in the South African first-tier Betway Premiership team Marumo and has been a regular name in goals for the Zimbabwe National team. The 39-year-old veteran shot-stopper has leaked a single goal in the entire Qualifers campaign in previous all four outings. He has excellent clean sheet records in AFCON Qualifiers with 4 clean sheets in 8 appearances and only conceding 4 goals so far.

Michael Olunga (Kenya)

Kenyan skipper, Michael Olunga is a prolific goal-getter for both country and club, currently playing in the Qatari league for Al Duhail SC. He has scored a stunning 8 goals in 7 league appearances for his club this term. The 30-year-old has won 48 International caps scoring 21 goals in national colours, the forward had also netted a consolation goal in a frustrating 4-1 defeat to the heavyweights Cameroon.

Zimbabwe vs Kenya Prediction

In terms of FIFA Rankings, Zimbabwe’s national football team is just below 117th than Kenyians who are 106th in the world rankings. Regardless of the differences in their rankings the hosts have a far more superior squad with players across the European League, they are undefeated and conceded the least amount of goals in the qualifiers showing their defensive stability. It’s do or die situation for Kenya but the Warriors are strong favourites and should win 3-1 to secure all three points and register their first win over the the Harambee Stars.

Predicted Score: Zimbabwe 3-1 Kenya

Where to Watch Zimbabwe vs Kenya Live?

Also Read: Zambia vs Ivory Coast Prediction, Preview, Team News, and Lineups | AFCON Qualifiers, November 15, 2024

FAQs