Former Harambee Stars head coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee expects Kenya to beat Zimbabwe in Friday evening's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kampala, Uganda.
Despite playing ‘home away from home, Ghost believes Stars had preparations good enough to grab maximum points.
“With Harambee Stars, I have never had doubts. This team has been together for so long and I thank Firat for recalling players (who had discipline issues) after winning the Four Nations Cup. This shows there is harmony and team cohesion in the squad,” said Ghost.
He said it would be a big blow if injured captain Michael Olunga fails to make the team. However, he has confidence in Firat’s frontline of Benson Omalla, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire and debutant Victor Omune.
“All the strikers called up have the pedigree to score goals. Firat can even play Rooney Onyango as a nine. He proved he can play anywhere, save for goalkeeping, having grabbed a double for Gor Mahia against El Mehrieh in the Champions League,” joked Ghost.
Ghost, the last local coach to lead the Stars to the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 2004, believes 10 points are enough for the Stars. Win all home matches and grab a draw on the road.
“If we beat Zimbabwe in Uganda, then pull the rag from Namibia by getting a point in South Africa, that’ll be a good start. Hopefully, we will have our home advantage back by the time five-time Africa champions Cameroon come to Nyayo or Kasarani stadium,” said Ghost.
He is cautious though. The Warriors have many European-based and have a new head coach in Michael Nees.
Namibia, whom Stars face on September 10, is another side that Ghost fears with their swift play, having reached the Afcon 2024 last 16 after navigating a Group ‘E’ that had South Africa, Tunisia and Mali.
Whoever controls the midfield and links with the frontline well will carry the day.
He believes KPL MVP Austin Odhiambo and Onyango can be key in both matches since they are tactical and can unlock any defence. Stars need to be bold in attack.
In head-to-head, Kenya has the edge over the Zims, winning three and drawing one in their four encounters.
Their last encounter saw Stars win 3-1 at the Four Nations Cup in June. Stars will then face Cameroon in Nairobi on October 7 and in Yaounde on October 15.
