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Sakari? Nondi? Juma? Olunga? Predicting Harambee Stars’ starting line-up for the Russia test on Monday evening.
Harambee Stars will be facing Russia in a historic encounter to be staged at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on Monday 16 October starting at 7 PM (EAT).
This will be Kenya’s final test match ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which kick off in November this year, as the side will face Gabon and then Seychelles away.
Head coach Engin Firat is continuing to come up with his best squad for when the competitive fixtures commence and had previously expressed a preference for a settled squad that has gelled as a unit.
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21:00 - 15.10.2023
FOOTBALL Antony ‘Teddy’ Akumu’s rallying message to Kenyans with everything set for Harambee Stars’ crucial friendly against Russia
The former Gor Mahia hero has sent a message to Harambee Stars fans with the side set to face Russia on Monday.
With that in mind, we do not expect many changes to the lineup that played against Qatar and South Sudan, except for a few positions here and there.
Goalkeeper: Bryne Omondi
Bryne Omondi has established himself as the nation’s first-choice keeper after four outings, with his assured displays in goal injecting confidence into his defence. We expect the KCB custodian to keep his place in goal at the expense of Brian Bwire and veteran Patrick Matasi.
Right back: Daniel Sakari
In the absence of Daniel Anyembe, we think Tusker right-back Daniel Sakari will start in the position as he attempts to win Engin Firat’s heart. Sakari’s long flat bullet throw could also count in his favor considering that creating goals from set pieces against Russia could be a bonus for Harambee Stars
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19:00 - 15.10.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars: Anyembe ruled out, Timbe doubtful for Kenya’s friendly with Russia
Harambee Stars will be without defender Daniel Anyembe during Monday’s friendly match against Russia while winger Ayub Timbe will need to pass a late fitness test
Center back: Johnstone Omurwa
Johnstone Omurwa showed he came of age with his arguable Man of the Match display against Qatar, when his dominance on and off the ball allowed Harambee Stars to play aggressively. He was missed against South Sudan and will be expected to return to the lineup at Brian Mandela’s expense.
Center back: Joseph Okumu
The Stade Reims defender keeps getting better every day and is surely destined for the stars in his career. We expect him to keep his place alongside Omurwa for the Russia outing.
Left back: Eric Ouma
Eric Ouma will be expected to start ahead of newby Vincent Harper for the left back position. His pace helps him make good recovery runs and he also offers width with his tendency to run with the ball down the left flank well.
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11:00 - 15.10.2023
FOOTBALL Namwamba defends Firat over Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala’s Harambee Stars snub
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has come to the defence of Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat after he was accused of ‘favouritism’ for not selecting Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala
Central midfielder: Teddy Akumu
Although he has been getting limited game time for his club Sagan Tosu, Engin Firat has trusted Teddy Akumu to be Richard Odada’s midfield partner, and we expect him to keep his place for the Russia outing.
Central midfielder: Richard Odada
Richard Odada is quickly proving why Harambee Stars do not miss Victor Wanyama anymore. He has been controlling the tempo of Stars’ games since his debut in 2021 and is becoming a national darling because of his qualities on and off the ball.
Attacking midfielder:Kenneth Muguna
Kenneth Muguna started in the number 10 role in the last two assignments and even gave an assist for the opening goal against Qatar. Tasked to be the side’s chief creator, the Kenya Police FC man is expected to start in that position.
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09:08 - 15.10.2023
FKFPL Tomas Trucha’s rallying message to AFC Leopards fans as he compares situation to Liverpool's when Jurgen Klopp joined
Trucha sent a rallying call to AFC Leopards fans in his last stint at the club, comparing Ingwe's troubles to Jurgen Klopp during his difficult first few months as Liverpool boss
Left winger: Masud Juma
Masud Juma could start on the left wing as Engin Firat adores his ability to make one versus one situations from both flanks. We expect him to start on the left flank.
Right winger: Amos Nondi
Ayub Timbe is a doubt for the clash after he picked up an ankle injury in training. Ovella Ochieng has been training with the side but lacks match sharpness since being released by Richards Bay after his contract with the South African club ended. We doubt Alfred Scrivren will start on the flank.
We think Amos Nondi could be selected to start on the flank so he can interchange with Sakari and Odada as we saw in the win over Pakistan back in June.
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11:15 - 14.10.2023
FOOTBALL Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala responds to Firat after Harambee Stars snub
Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala has broken his silence following his omission from the Harambee Stars squad despite being the FKF Premier League’s leading scorer
Center forward: Michael Olunga
The national team captain will be expected to keep his place upfront.
How do you think this team could fare against Russia? Let us know on the comment sections of our website and on our social media platforms.
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11:00 - 14.10.2023
FOOTBALL Full house at Harambee Stars camp as Portugal-based defender joins ranks in Turkey
Portugal-based defender completes the Harambee Stars' training camp in Turkey, marking a full house ahead of the Russia friendly.
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