David Flower
Dailysports's expert
One of the matches in the fifth round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will take place on Friday in Johannesburg, where Zimbabwe will host Kenya. Here's a suggestion for a goal count bet in this match, offering favorable odds.
Match Preview
"The Warriors" missed out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to a suspension, a major setback for their ambitions on the international stage. However, the team has resumed the fight in World Cup qualifiers, starting their campaign with two draws against Rwanda (0-0) and Nigeria (1-1). Their early success was short-lived, though, as a home loss to Lesotho (0-2) and an away defeat to South Africa (1-3) have cast doubts on their World Cup aspirations.
In the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Zimbabwe has also faced challenges. They opened with two scoreless draws—first against Kenya on the road and then against Cameroon at home. However, "the Warriors" bounced back significantly in two matches against Namibia, securing full points and climbing the table. With 8 points, they currently sit second, trailing Cameroon by three points.
The "Harambee Stars" started their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a road loss to Gabon (1-2). In subsequent matches, they managed to collect five points by defeating the Seychelles and drawing with Burundi and Côte d'Ivoire, positioning them in fourth place in their group.
In their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying efforts, Kenya started strong. They drew with Zimbabwe (0-0) at home in the first round and followed up with a 2-1 away win over Namibia. However, back-to-back games against group favorites Cameroon left them empty-handed, and with just 4 points, Kenya now sits third, four points behind Zimbabwe.
Probable Lineups
- Zimbabwe: Arubi, Zemura, Takwara, Garananga, Murwira, Munetsi, Rinomhota, Musona, Billiat, Dube, Mapfumo
- Kenya: Omondi, Nondi, Okumu, Ovino, Otieno, Akumu, Odada, Abuya, Onyango, Yanga, Avire
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Only one of the last five meetings between these teams ended with both teams scoring.
- Kenya has won three of their last five encounters without losing.
- Zimbabwe has won just one of their last seven home games.
Prediction
Zimbabwe has been progressing steadily in the tournament, but there's a difference between beating Namibia and facing Kenya. Bookmakers recognize this, hence the odds for a home win at 2.69. In their last match, the teams combined for just two shots on target. It’s unlikely we’ll see anything different this time. Our bet: "Both Teams to Score – No" at odds of 1.65.
