Kenyan midfielder Anthony 'Teddy' Akumu has set his sights on representing Harambee Stars at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAkumu missed out on Kenya’s 2019 AFCON campaign in Egypt after being dropped from the final squad despite playing a key role in the qualifiers that secured the country’s return to the continental showpiece after a 19-year absence.Why Zico wants return of Kenyan Premier League to run top-flightThe omission remains a disappointing chapter in Akumu’s career, but the experienced midfielder says he has moved on and is now focused on earning an opportunity to feature at the 2027 tournament on home soil.“It was very disappointing to miss out on the 2019 edition, but I have put all this behind me. Yes, I am still confident I can play at this level before I retire, and my goal is the 2027 edition,” Akumu said.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978706##Looking back, Akumu believes missing the tournament also cost him a potentially life-changing opportunity to secure a move to Europe.“This is the biggest stage in African football, and a lot of scouts are always following the games,” he said.Why Patrick Matasi believes he deserves second chance with Harambee Stars“My target was to do so well that I would be recruited to play in Europe, which has always been my dream destination. Until then, I had played in Africa and done well with a number of clubs, so I saw that opportunity as an avenue to achieve my target.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9978707##At the time, Akumu was playing for Zambian giants Zesco United. He left the club in 2020 after his contract expired before joining South African giants Kaizer Chiefs.The 33-year-old is currently without a club following the expiry of his contract with Lebanese side Nejmeh SC, but insists he remains fit and available for international duty.Tusker chairman reveals the club's new home ground for 2026-2027 seasonAkumu was not included in Kenya’s squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Eritrea at Nyayo Stadium and away to Guinea, although he says he remains ready should head coach Benni McCarthy call upon him.“I am available and fit to play in the qualifiers, though I don’t have a club yet. If the coach calls me, I am available,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978712##Akumu also explained his decision to sit out of last year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite receiving a call-up to the Kenya squad.The midfielder said he felt it was important to allow younger players to gain valuable international experience, while he was also undergoing a period of transition after moving to Lebanon.Frustrated Bandari coach calls for dialogue to solve FKFPL kickoff uncertainty“It was a great honour to be called up to the CHAN squad, but I preferred to give the opportunity to younger players. Furthermore, I was also in transition, having just signed for Nejmeh in Lebanon,” he said.With the 2027 AFCON set to be staged across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Akumu now has another major international target in the latter stages of his career — this time with the prospect of appearing at a continental tournament on home soil.
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