AFCON 2025: “We need to  qualify for our country’s legacy,” Joseph Okumu

Experienced 2019 AFCON campaigner, Joseph Okumu has expressed his team’s willingness to participate in a first AFCON since 2019, ahead of game day 3 of the AFCON qualifiers.

Okumu, 27, uttered on Thursday’s presser that it is the dream of every Kenyan player to participated at an elite level (the AFCON).

“AFCON is a crucial tournament for our country. We missed out the last two editions.

“Being part of the 2019 edition played a big part in my career”. Aged 22, the Stade Reims defender was one of the younger lads on the kenyan roster that had erstwhile captain, Victor Wanyama. Okumu played all 3 games but Kenya did not make it past the group stages.

“I am looking to take part in this competition again. We need to do it for the legacy of our country.

“We are nowhere near Cameroon’s quality, but we can match them for energy. We are not just here to play, but to compete.”

Kenya is coming off the back of a long FIFA suspension due to administrative issues, and the central defender is happy the crisis days are over.

“To be suspended is unfortunate. Now, we are thrilled to represent our country. We are excited to be back playing football, and we look to make a statement,” Okumu ended.

Kenya are invincible since the start of 2024, but the Lions have been invincible at home for over 3 decades. A win for Okumu and co at (1700) local time could be one of the greatest football scalps in African football history.