Lack of fighting spirit, creativity & more: Five key takeaways from Harambee Stars' 0-0 draw with Namibia's Brave Warriors

Lack of fighting spirit, creativity & more: Five key takeaways from Harambee Stars' 0-0 draw with Namibia's Brave Warriors

Mark Kinyanjui 11:00 - 20.11.2024

Five things learnt from Kenya's inspirited 0-0 draw with Namibia in their dead-rubber AFCON 2025 qualifier.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars closed their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign with a lackluster 0-0 draw against Namibia at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. 

With both teams already eliminated, the match reflected the struggles of their campaigns. Here are the five key takeaways from Harambee Stars’ underwhelming clash with the Brave Warriors.

1. Once again, Engin Firat’s tactical experimentation raises questions

For the umpteenth time, Engin Firat decided to field a starting line up that was different from the one that started the match before, showing he still has not got a settled starting line up.

Although injuries to key players like Joseph Okumu and Michael Olunga understandably forced his hand, the formation he deployed was totally different this time round.

On paper, the side set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Duke Abuya started as a right winger, with John Avire starting as a left winger, while Austin Odhiambo was deployed as the attacking midfielder behind Alfred Scriven, who was making his first start for the side.

The usual suspects, Teddy Akumu and Richard Odada started as the double pivot, while at the back, Erick Marcelo and Ronney Onyango played as the full backs, with Daniel Anyembe partnering Johnstone Omurwa at the back.

In possession, the side built up in what looked like a 2-3-5 or a 3-3-4 set up at times, with Teddy Akumu and Richard Odada taking turns to drop deep to receive the ball. In attack, Erick Marcelo Ouma and Ronney Onyango would join the attack, with Duke Abuya drifting narrow to occupy those pockets of space alongside Austin Odhiambo to try and create chances for Scriven. 

Although understandable, the side looked disjointed with players like Duke looking lost playing out wide, as he was unsure whether to drift narrow or stay wide.

The players looked confused and disjointed once again, and it is all down to Firat constantly chopping and changing.

2.Lack of desire and fighting spirit

Several Kenyan fans took to social media to express their frustration and anger at how disconnected they felt to the team given the lack of desire and hunger.

Maybe it is because it was a dead rubber game with both sides having nothing to play for, but even so, their pride was on the line and it should have been a chance, especially for the fringe players like Alfred Scriven to show they deserve future call ups.

Instead, it was all disappointment in the end. An you now have the feeling that this side may need a fresh injection of confidence and ideas, or even a complete overhaul.

3. Creativity problems persist

Despite fielding two creative midfielders in Austin Odhiambo and Duke Abuya, Kenya once again struggled to create a plethora of chances for the forwards John Avire and Alfred Scriven.

The play looked disjointed and awful, with the forwards feeding off scraps, and the fact that Kenya produced just one  shot on target epitomised it all.

4. Byrne Omondi is a breath of fresh air

Byrne Omondi was arguably Kenya’s best player on the afternoon. His composure on the ball was a joy to behold.as illustrated in the 82nd minute when he nonchalantly bypassed a press from a Namibia attacker. Also made a vital save to deny  Vitapi Ngaruka’s long-range effort in the 56th minute.

He has also now firmly cemented himself as the side’s number one goalkeeper after 10 caps since his debut against Pakistan.

5. Time for a youthful revolution

The lack of hunger in the senior squad has reignited calls to integrate young talent into the team. Kenya’s U-20 side, led by Salim Babu, recently qualified for the 2025 U-20 AFCON, breaking a 52-year drought. Players like Amos Wanjala, Kevin Wangaya, Baron Ochieng, Stanley Wilson, and Hassan Beja have shown the desire and energy needed at the senior level.

Introducing these players could inject fresh blood into the squad, providing the passion and determination that seemed absent in the current campaign.

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