Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat names his starting XI for Namibia clash

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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat names his starting XI for Namibia clash

Festus Chuma 18:00 - 10.09.2024

The Turkish gaffer has made several changes to Harambee Stars' lineup for the AFCON qualifier against Namibia in Johannesburg.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his starting XI for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Group J clash against Namibia.

The match marks a significant milestone as it will be Firat’s 18th game at the helm of the Kenyan national team, during his 22-month tenure across two coaching spells. His record so far includes six wins, five draws, and six losses.

This encounter is notably the first between Harambee Stars and Namibia since their last meeting in September 2013, where Kenya secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Due to inadequate facilities at home, Namibia will host this crucial qualifier at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg instead of their own country.

This shift in venue is part of a continuing trend seen in several African nations including Kenya struggling with subpar sports infrastructure.

Coach Firat’s lineup decision has been eagerly anticipated, reflecting his strategic approach to securing a position in the later stages of the qualifiers.

The starting XI chosen for this match could be crucial in determining the team's success on foreign soil and in a familiar yet challenging competitive environment.

It is worth noting that the match between Namibia and Kenya, part of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, will be played behind closed doors at Orlando Stadium this evening.

This decision comes after the Namibia Football Association (NFA) reportedly failed to secure the necessary funds for adequate security measures, citing budget constraints. Consequently, fans from both Namibia and Kenya will not be permitted to attend the game.

This is how they line up

Kenya: Bryne Omondi, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Anthony Akumu, Ronney Onyango, Richard Odada, John Avire, Duke Abuya, Jonah Ayunga

Subs: Levis Opiyo, Abud Omar, Austine Odhiambo, Kenneth Muguna, Chrispine Erambo, Victor Omune, Matasi Patrick, Sharif Majabe , Eric Johana Omondi, Benson Omala, Alwyn Tera