John Ayunga scored his first goal Kenya’s Harambee Stars but it was not enough to help them secure victory as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match at Peter Makoba Stadium in South Africa on Friday.
The Warriors took the lead in the 32nd minute when Tawanda Maswanhise finished off a brilliant cross from Khama Billiat and they went into the half-time break leading 1-0. However, Ayunga, who plays for Scottish Premiership outfit St. Mirren, levelled matters for Harambee Stars in the 52nd minute.
Kenya went into the game seeking a win to revive their hopes of qualifying for the AFCON in Morocco but after a close battle in the opening exchanges defender Joseph Omurwa was booked for arguing with the referee before Aboud Omar was yellow carded following a clumsy challenge in the 29th minute.
In the 35th minute, Zimbabwe defender Munashe Garananga followed into the referee’s book after blocking Kenya striker Michael Olunga from advancing towards the goal and that was the last action of the first half.
At the start of the second half, Kenya coach Engin Firat made a double change with defender Charles Momanyi and midfielder Duke Abuya coming in for Joseph Okumu and Omar. The changes somehow injected some venom into Kenya’s playing style and it led to the goal scored by Ayunga, who beat Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi with a powerful effort.
The outcome confirmed Zimbabwe as the second team to qualify from the group after Cameroon as they reached nine points, four more than Kenya, who are lying third ahead of the last group matches on Tuesday.
Kenya will face Namibia while Zimbabwe will come up against Cameroon.
