FKF boss delighted despite Kenya’s loss in AFCON futsal debut
By Joel Masibo, January 24, 2026Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has picked the positives despite the national men’s futsal team succumbing to an 8-4 defeat to Namibia in the first leg of the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 qualifiers on Friday night, January 23, 2026, in Namibia.
The team made its futsal debut at The Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia, in the opening leg of the two-legged qualifier as both nations sought to secure a place in the continental tournament. Kenya aimed for a positive result away from home to boost their chances ahead of the return leg, but fell short of the target.
However, despite the defeat, the FKF boss said there is more to learn from the sport that has less popularity in the country. Mohammed assured the team that the federation is fully committed to supporting the team ahead of the return leg in Nairobi next week.
Positive lessons
”A tough result away in Namibia, but an important and historic first match for Kenya in futsal. We are building something new, and FKF is fully committed to supporting this journey. We regroup and fight again at home next week.” Mohammed said via X.
Futsal is a scaled-down variant of association football played between two teams of five players each on a court smaller than a football pitch. Its rules are based on the FIFA Laws of the Game, and it also shares similarities with five-a-side football and indoor soccer.
Should Kenya overcome Namibia in the return leg, they will face Libya in the second and final round of qualification. This stage will also be contested over two legs, with matches scheduled for February 3 or 4 and February 7 or 8, 2026.
Road to Morocco
The qualification campaign will be played over two rounds, with 18 teams competing for seven available slots at the continental finals. The seven qualified nations will join hosts and defending champions Morocco at the CAF Futsal AFCON Morocco 2026.
Final squad
Mike Ochieng, Samwel Owiti, Anas Hamad, Shaban Mark, Kevin Omondi, Gift Mumo, Kelvin Odongo, Patrick Kaiser, Mohammed Hassan, Tony Kegode, Salim Abdullahi, Muthoni Newton, Lewis Ng’ang’a, Isaac Omweri.