Recently, the National Soccer Team, Harambe Stars beat Black Stars of Ghana 1-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match staged at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The result increased Kenya’s chances of being among 16 teams that will take to the stage in the 32nd edition of AFCON in Cameroon next year. Kenya is in group F alongside four-time Champions Black Stars of Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia.
All the four teams have an identical three points after winning one and losing one group match. Kenya lost to Sierra Leone, Ghana beat Ethiopia while Ethiopia beat Sierra Leone; making group F matches a matter of life and death.
In total, 48 teams are battling it out to be among the 16 teams that will be in Cameroon next year. Defending Champions Cameroon have already qualified as hosts.
Teams that will top the 12 groups will qualify automatically, which makes it 13 teams.
The three teams to fill the three remaining slots will have to be the best second-placed teams after group matches.
Kenya has a chance of qualifying, and this is how.
If Stars win their home and away matches against Ethiopia and a home match against Sierra Leone, and force a draw away against Ghana, they will have 13 points.
With 13 points, Kenya can qualify as group F leaders or one of the best second-placed teams. If that happens, it will be the first time since 2004, for Harambee Stars to qualify for AFCON tournament.
That will only happen if Kenya beat Ethiopia away on 10th October, beat Ethiopia at home on 14th October, beat Sierra Leone at home on 16th November and force a draw against Ghana away on March 22, 2019.
Next year’s AFCON will be held between June and July 2019.