Harambee Stars under coach Benni McCarthy kicked off their qualification campaign with a shock 1-1 draw against Eritrea in Nairobi before travelling to Conakry, where they lost 1-0 against Guinea at Stade 28 Septembre on Thursday.
Against Guinea, Borussia Dortmund talisman Serhou Guirassy made the difference after he reacted quickly to a defensive mistake before sneaking the ball between the legs of Kenya custodian Bryne Omondi.
Asibwa, who played for Kenya between the 1980s and '90s, has come out to castigate the performance of the team over the two matches and demanded a stakeholders' meeting to discuss the way forward.
According to Asibwa, if the current performances are allowed to continue without consultations, then Kenyans should not anticipate a positive campaign during the 2027 AFCON on home soil.
The 2027 AFCON, scheduled to run from June 19th to July 17th in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, will bring together 24 African nations for the continent’s premier football competition.
'If we keep quiet, it will be too late'
"I think from the current FIFA rankings, which is 113th clearly shows that Kenya are regressing especially drawing at home to 184th or even FIFA rank-less countries like Eritrea," Asibwa told ScoresStat.
"I am surprised that results like this constitute a business-as-usual case for a country that is preparing to host not the domestic-based players in Africa, the CHAN like last time, but great professionals, Africa’s elite players in AFCON in less than a year’s time.
"The ministry, the federation and football people aren’t speaking out while our football team is sinking into the ditch or rather, into no man’s land.
"Just like in a classroom, performance must be evaluated. Speak out about football people.
"If we keep quiet, then it will be too late. I even thought that the Ministry of Sports will form a board of football people to weigh in and give support or suggestions where necessary."
Nyamweya: 'I cry not because we lost'
Former Football Kenya (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya has challenged the current FKF regime under Hussein Mohammed to ensure transparent, merit-based player selection, and immediately address player welfare to restore dignity and motivation.
"I watched our beloved Harambee Stars lose 1-0 to Guinea in the AFCON qualifier, and I must speak out as a Kenyan who loves this game," Nyamweya told ScoresStat.
"I cry not because we lost, but because we threw away a game we should have won. Guinea won at home, but undeservedly so.
"We were the better team on many fronts, yet we failed to convert our chances. Once again, we have shot ourselves in the foot. With proper preparation, this was three points for Kenya."
Nyamweya added: "What I witnessed was deeply troubling and goes beyond tactics. Player selection must be on merit, form and patriotism - not favouritism or outside influence.
"Kenya has immense talent both locally and abroad. We must field our very best players in their best positions. When deserving players are overlooked, we kill competition and weaken the team.
"From the technical bench to the playing unit, the morale was shockingly low. This is not by accident. You cannot expect players to die for the badge when their welfare is neglected.
"Issues of allowances, bonuses, decent travel, and quality accommodation must be addressed with dignity and urgency. A hungry, worried and demotivated player cannot deliver for the nation."
Nyamweya concluded: "After the frustrating home draw against Eritrea, we expected a response against Guinea. Instead, we got the same old story of disorganisation."
The former boss further called for the reunion of the football family, insisting a divided Federation can never produce a strong national team.
"Harambee Stars are our national pride. It is the one team that unites 55 million Kenyans. When we lose to teams we should be beating comprehensively, it breaks the heart of the nation," offered Nyamweya.
"It will be a national shame if we continue on this path ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which we will be hosting for the first time. I love the Harambee Stars. I believe in the Harambee Stars."
Following the defeat, Guinea moved above Kenya to second spot in Group D with three points, while South Africa remained top with a maximum of six points following their 5-0 victory against Eritrea.
Kenya have already qualified automatically as co-hosts, and only the highest-placed side among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will join Kenya at the PAMOJA 2027 AFCON in East Africa.
