Harambee Stars mainstay Anthony “Teddy” Akumu is confident about Kenya's chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
This is despite being pooled in a relatively tough Group 'J' alongside Zimbabwe, Namibia and Cameroon.
The former Gor Mahia and Orlando Pirates man believes Stars have a squad great enough to beat the odds and book their ticket to the continental bonanza.
Stars tackle Zimbabwe on Friday in the opening fixture in Kampala, Uganda, before taking on Malawi in South Africa on September 10.
Akumu missed the 2019 edition in Egypt under the then-coach Sebastian Migne but believes he has grown and has a lot to offer to Stars' course.
“I missed the Egypt 2019 Afcon chance. I want to play an important role in the next edition in Morocco. We have a good team with great players and support from everywhere, including the fans. If we put in an extra shift, we will qualify," said the lanky midfielder.
Even though Akumu acknowledges the tough task ahead, he believes they have what it takes to grab one of the two tickets to Rabat.
Despite being clubless for seven months, Akumu played a key role as the Stars won the Four Nations Cup at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.
He also had a good outing as Kenya battled Burundi and Ivory Coast in World Cup qualifiers.
Stars head coach Engin Firat defended Akumu, saying his travelled midfielder is fitter than most Kenyan Premier League players, works hard and fits into his system.
The central midfielder was dropped by South Africa giants Kaizer Chiefs on July 2, 2022. He joined Japanese side Sagan Tosu in December 2023, where he played in just three League Cup matches before ending his stay on January 10, 2024.
He is attached to the Iranian side Kheybar Khorramabad, whom he signed for on July 7.
During his stint as a free agent, Akumu trained with Mathare United as he sought to remain fit.
Stars arrived in Kampala on Monday and had their first training session on Tuesday.
Kenya and Zimbabwe are no strangers with Stars beating the Brave Warriors 3-1 in the final of the Four Nations Cup in Malawi on March 27.
