Harambee Stars forward John Avire is confident the national team will sail through AFCON 2025 qualifiers after overcoming Namibia in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday to move top of group J on four points after the opening two matches.

A stunning free-kick in the second half from the Misr El Makassa (Egypt) striker and Duke Abuya’s brilliant finish handed Kenya a precious 2-1 win over hosts Namibia on Tuesday at the Orlando Stadium, a feat that saw Kenya keep alive qualifying hopes following a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe last Friday in their opening Group J fixture played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.

Speaking after the match, Avire rallied his teammates to stay grounded as they eye a return to the continental showpiece after a five-year absence.

“I’m very much happy for the win and having scored my first ever international match. This is also the first time I have started in the squad.

“The win has restored the confidence among the boys and despite that we started on a low gear, we managed to catch up later on and emerged victorious.

“We really missed the services of our captain Michael Olunga whom I feel if we had him in the squad, then we could have won by more than two goals.

“He is our team leader and it’s our prayer that he will get better soon and boost the squad. I believe we will qualify for the continental tournament next year”

Avire sentiments were echoed by midfielder Richard Odada who turns out for Scottish Premier League side Dundee United.

“It’s a very nice win considering that we pulled a draw in our previous match against Zimbabwe.

“Kenyans were really demanding for a win and it’s our job to make them happy.

“We missed Olunga of course because he is one of our best players in the squad and we hope to have him back to the squad soonest possible.

“I believe we will win our next match against Cameroon on October 11.

“They are five time Africa champions but that will not shy us away from harvesting maximum points and keeping alive our dreams to qualify for the2025 Afcon tournament in Morocco.

Kenya will play Cameroon in a double header during the October international break in an encounter that is likely to determine the group winner.

Group winners and runners-up will qualify for the AFCON 2025 tournament set for Morocco.

The last time Kenya qualified for the continental extravaganza was in 2019 in Egypt.