In the heart of Africa, a footballing revolution is underway, and it goes by the name of the Harambee Stars. Under the astute leadership of Turkish tactician Engin Firat, this Kenyan national team is preparing to light up the pitch with two electrifying international friendlies. On September 7, they’ll take on Qatar in Doha, and on September 12, they’ll face South Sudan in Nairobi.
Before we dive into the excitement of these upcoming matches, let’s rewind and relive some recent thrills. In June, the Stars displayed their versatility with a resounding 1-0 victory over Pakistan but met a narrow 1-0 defeat against Mauritius. These encounters have acted as the whetstone, sharpening their skills and stoking their determination for the battles that lie ahead.
Engin Firat, the maestro at the helm, swiftly assembled his provisional squad. This dream team boasts exceptional talent in every position, promising a well-rounded performance.
Guardians of the Goal: Ian Otieno, Byrne Odhiambo, and Patrick Matasia stand ready to fortify the net, ensuring an impenetrable defense.
The Defensive Wall: The Stars’ defense is a fortress, manned by players like Collins Sichenje, Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, David Ochieng, Daniel Anyembe, Erick Ouma, Amos Nondi, and Abud Omar.
Midfield Maestros: The midfield is a powerhouse featuring Alfred Scriven, Ayub Masika, Abdalla Hassan, Stanley Wilson, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Kenneth Muguna, Richard Odada, and Teddy Akumu. They are poised to dictate the rhythm of the game.
Striking Prowess: Upfront, the Stars boast striking talents like Elvis Rupia, Michael Olunga, Masud Juma, and Moses Shumma, eager to seize scoring opportunities.
The Harambee Stars’ fans are bubbling with anticipation as they await the upcoming friendlies. With dedicated training and a squad brimming with talent, the Stars are determined to make their nation proud and deliver captivating performances in Qatar and Nairobi. As the countdown begins, stay tuned for more updates on their journey to glory.
The journey to international duty has begun, with players reporting to the residential camp. On September 7, they’ll be taking on Qatar. Local-based players arrived first, followed by their foreign-based counterparts.
Among the early birds on Sunday morning were talents like Austin Odhiambo, Abdallah Hassan, Elvis Rupia, Byrne Odhiambo, Patrick Matasi, David Ochieng, Abud Omar, and Moses Shummah.
The captain, Michael Olunga, who plies his trade in the Qatar League for Al-Duhail, is expected to join the team when they touch down in the Gulf nation.
Notable names joining the squad today include Ian Otieno from Nkana FC (Zambia) and Joseph Okumu from French side Reims. Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, and Teddy Akumu will soon add their international flavor to the mix.
The team is set to jet off for Doha, Qatar on Wednesday at 1 pm for a 3 pm kickoff on Thursday. They’ll return to Nairobi to take on neighbors South Sudan five days later on September 12.
These international friendlies are more than just matches; they are a litmus test for the Stars as they prepare for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Kenya finds itself in Group F, competing against Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Their journey began with qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles on November 13 and 20, setting the stage for the Harambee Stars’ ascent in the footballing galaxy
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