Kenya and Namibia concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaigns with a 0-0 stalemate at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Tuesday.
With both teams already eliminated from contention, the final Group J fixture carried little significance and produced few memorable moments for the sparse crowd in attendance.
The first half saw no shots on target, but both sides created opportunities. Kenya came closest on three occasions, starting in the 7th minute when Richard Odada’s header from a corner narrowly missed the target. Alfred Scriven also failed to capitalize on a header in the 16th minute, and Johnstone Omurwa sent a glancing header just wide in the 19th minute following a free-kick.
Namibia nearly broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Charles Hambira connected with Riaan Hanamub’s cross from the left, only to see his header drift inches wide of the left post.
The scoreline remained goalless at halftime, and the second half offered little improvement in terms of goal-scoring chances. Substitute Bethuel Muzeu attempted an ambitious long-range shot in the 75th minute but sent the ball sailing high over the crossbar.
Kenya’s goalkeeper, Bryne Odhiambo, was finally tested in the 81st minute when Elmo Kambindu met Ngero Katua’s cross with a header, forcing a save.
Despite the late spark, neither team managed to find the breakthrough. Both nations finished their campaigns on a low note, with just one win between them in the group stages.
This match marked a disappointing end to AFCON qualification for Kenya and Namibia, as they now look ahead to rebuilding for future competitions.
