Former Kenyan defender Taiwo Atieno is confident Harambee Stars will qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco despite being pooled alongside the Indomitable Lions.
Atieno, who had to renounce his British citizenship to be granted a Kenyan passport, before debuting for Kenya as a late substitute in the June 2009 qualifier against Mozambique, believes with proper preparations a qualification slot will be achieved.
Harambee Stars will return to the qualifiers for the 35th edition after being pooled in Group J alongside Africa powerhouse the Indomitable Lions, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
“I believe the Group is one Kenya can qualify from, but we need an attacking strategy and a solid defence,” Atieno, who played for a host of clubs in England, including Luton Town, Stevenage, Torquay United, and Barnet, told SportsBoom.com. “Kenya must play attacking football; create more goal-scoring opportunities with crosses and set pieces.”
Kenya under head coach Engin Firat will begin their matchday one with a home fixture against the Warriors of Zimbabwe on September 3 before they travel to take on Namibia’s Brave Warriors in matchday two in Windhoek on September 10.
He added: “Cameroon is the most obvious challenge for Kenya, but Zimbabwe and Namibia should not be underestimated.”
Despite a section of football stakeholders calling for the sacking of coach Firat in recent weeks, Atieno praised the 54-year-old Turkish tactician for the job he had done with the team and encouraged the players to continue believing in themselves.
“I think the coach has done well to bring this team this far. I would encourage all the players and the coach to continue believing in themselves and working together, no matter what anyone says,” added Atieno, the Commercial Director of the Kenyan Premier League.
“Representing your country is a very special duty, and even if people don’t acknowledge or applaud it, it’s still a position reserved for less than 1% of the world’s population. So, my advice would be to enjoy the experience and create your legacies and successes.”
On his message to the government to have Nyayo and Kasarani ready to host Kenya matches, Atieno said: “I would encourage the government to give football the priority it deserves and collaborate with the private sector to create the best football environment possible.
“We are all Kenyans, and we all want Kenya to succeed on the world stage. This is important not just for football but for national pride and identity.”