Kenya were denied the chance to add to their tally of six AFCON appearances after being banned from the last qualifying campaign by FIFA for "government interference" in football matters.

As a result, Engin Firat's men are still awaiting their first appearance on the continental stage since the 2019 edition, which ended in another group-stage exit in Egypt - a sixth for Kenya.

The Harambee Stars have been drawn into Group J of the AFCON qualifiers, where they will battle it out with Namibia, Cameroon and Zimbabwe for two places at next year's showpiece event in Morocco.

A positive start would certainly be a welcome boost for Kenya, who have a strong record against Zimbabwe, with three wins and a draw from four previous meetings between the two sides.

Friday's hosts are also unbeaten in six of their last seven matches in all competitions and will be looking for back-to-back wins for the second time this year.

Like Kenya, Zimbabwe were banned by FIFA from the last AFCON qualifiers, denying them the chance of a fourth consecutive continental campaign after three successive group stage exits.

After ending 2023 with three draws, the Warriors have been hot and cold since the turn of the year, winning three and losing four of their seven matches so far.

Two of those defeats came at the hands of Kenya, who beat Michael Nees's men 3-1 in a friendly in March before claiming a 2-0 COSAFA Cup triumph four months later.

Nees will be hoping that third time will be the charm for his side against their East African counterparts as they look to kick off their AFCON qualifying campaign on a high after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign so far.

Heading into Friday's clash, the away side are yet to win any of their World Cup qualifiers and sit five points adrift of safety in Group C after four rounds of matches.

Kenya possible starting lineup:

Matasi; Omar, Omurwa, Omija, Okumu; Muguna, Akumu, Odada; Avire, Ayunga, Omune

Zimbabwe possible starting lineup:

Arubi; Hadebe, Murwira, Takwara, Mbeba; Munetsi, Rinomhota, Hachiro, Chirewa; Kadewere, Mapfumo

Prediction:Kenya 1-0 Zimbabwe

Kenya vs Zimbabwe stream and TV listing

International：Holasports