2022 World Cup hosts confirm friendly with Harambee Stars

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2022 World Cup hosts confirm friendly with Harambee Stars

Festus Chuma 16:45 - 23.08.2023

Engin Firat's charges to play friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan as preparation for upcoming FIFA and CAF competitions.

The Kenya national football team Harambee Stars will play against the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, in a highly anticipated international friendly match. 

The clash, scheduled for September 7, 2023, in the vibrant city of Doha, marks a pivotal moment for the Stars as they prepare to take on not only a formidable opponent but also the challenges that lie ahead in their competitive FIFA and CAF assignments.

With the dust settling after an exhilarating World Cup that saw Qatar as the epicenter of football, Harambee Stars now find themselves facing off against the very team that brought the world together.

The upcoming friendly serves as a litmus test for the Engin Firat’s coached side, a chance to refine their tactics, and a platform to showcase their prowess on the global stage.

The encounter against Qatar is not just a mere exhibition but a crucial part of Harambee Stars' meticulous preparation for their upcoming CAF and FIFA engagements. 

With the CHAN Qualifiers looming large on the horizon, scheduled to kick off between September 22 and 24, followed by matches on October 6 and 8, the Stars must ensure they are in peak form.

The friendly against South Sudan, to be held on September 12 in Nairobi, adds to this intense preparation period.

Looking even further into the future, Harambee Stars have their sights set on the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The team finds themselves placed in Group F, along with Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.

 The journey towards securing a spot in the prestigious tournament begins with the first round of matches scheduled between November 13 and 21, 2023.

The group winners will earn a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup. However, the competition doesn't end there.

The four most outstanding runners-up from the groups will advance to the CAF Play-Off tournament. 

The victor of this playoff will then have the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a FIFA Playoff tournament, where the ultimate prize is a cherished place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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