• The midfielder from Harambee Stars, Anthony Akumu, has expressed his views on Kenya’s unsuccessful attempt to qualify for AFCON 2025.
• In the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, Kenya was placed in Group J, where they faced off against Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
• Akumu believes McCarthy will excel with the national team, citing his expertise and impressive history as key factors that qualify him for this coaching role.

The national football team of Kenya, known as the Harambee Stars, has made five appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Their initial participation was in 1972, followed most recently by an entry in 2019.

Anthony Akumu Agai, who plays as a midfielder for Harambee Stars, has shared his thoughts on the impact of Kenya’s inability to secure a spot in AFCON 2025 from his perspective as an athlete.

Kenya's aspirations to secure a spot at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament were dashed last year when they drew 1-1 with Zimbabwe, a team in their Group J.

Before taking on Namibia, Kenya required a win and was counting on Zimbabwe losing to Cameroon for some hope, yet these expectations were eventually dashed.

Anthony Akumu comments on Kenya’s inability to secure a spot in AFCON 2025.

During an interview with Telcom Asia Sport, Akumu mentioned that he was eager to secure a spot in the tournament, particularly after barely failing to make the final roster in 2019.

“I was very keen on qualifying, particularly since I barely missed out on making the final team back in 2019,” stated Anthony Akumu.

He acknowledged that it was distressing not to be selected back then, yet failing to qualify for this year's competition proved to be an even greater source of pain.

Feeling pain from not making it back then, but missing this year's tournament was even more difficult.

Akumu revealed that he shed tears following the Zimbabwe game since making it through qualification mattered immensely to him. He further mentioned that accepting the result was difficult for the whole squad, as they were aware of their genuine prospects.

I shed tears following the Zimbabwe game since making it qualify mattered immensely to me. The entire squad found it difficult to come to terms with, particularly as we felt we truly stood a chance.

Akumu discusses his experiences playing under Benni McCarthy.

The manager of Kenya’s national squad, Harambee Stars, Benni McCarthy, has observed his players compete against just two continental opponents in the 2026 World Cup preliminary matches.

His initial task was a game against Gambia, succeeded by a match with Gabon, and Akumu took part in both encounters.

The player, aged 32, stated that he had a great time working with McCarthy during the past two World Cup qualifying matches, commending him as an excellent coach with clear expertise.

He observed that the squad performed admirably considering they had been together for just three years, and he envisioned how much better they might become with extended practice time.

Akumu thinks McCarthy will excel with the national team since he has already shown his abilities.

I truly enjoyed playing under McCarthy during the past two World Cup qualifying matches," Akumu stated. "He’s an exceptional coach who clearly understands his role. Our performance has been impressive even within these initial three years. Just think about our potential as we spend more time collaborating. I have no doubt he will excel with the national team since he has demonstrated remarkable skills.

For which team is Akumu currently playing?

According to Transfermarkt, Akumu plays as a defensive midfielder for Kheybar Khorramabad FC in Iran's Persian Gulf Pro League.

In July 2024, he became a member of the club, with his agreement due for expiration in June 2025.

Akumu is optimistic about Harambee Stars' prospects for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

sport.bangjo.co.id.co.ke previously mentioned Akumu's assurance that Kenya would secure a spot in the tournament in Morocco.

Akumu firmly believed that the present squad possessed the capabilities needed to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON.

He thought about missing out on the 2019 Egypt event and voiced his wish to have an important part in the upcoming tournament in Morocco.

He stated that the squad boasted talented athletes along with robust fan backing, expressing confidence that additional exertion would secure their qualification.