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Ahead of Harambee Stars' opening AFCON 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe, this is how Engin Firat is likely to set up the team, especially with Michael Olunga still a doubt for the clash due to injury.
The Kenya national football team Harambee Stars will be facing Zimbabwe in their opening group J match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with an eye on reaching the tournament for the first time since 2019,
The two sides have already met twice this year, and Kenya has emerged victorious on both occasions. Will they be third-time lucky?
This is how we see head coach Engin Firat lining the team up against The Warriors:
Patrick Matasi -GK
Patrick Matasi has been Engin Firat’s trusted first choice goalkeeper since November 2023 after he stepped in for Byrne Omondi after he suffered an injury against Russia last October, and has retained his shirt ever since, with Omondi’s other caps coming during the 2024 COSAFA Cup last June.
Matasi was in goal when Kenya last beat Zimbabwe 3-1 last March in Malawi, and given he has already formed an understanding with Joseph Okumu and Johnstone Omurwa, will likely keep his place for that match.
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12:21 - 29.08.2024
Analysis: Could defender Rooney Onyango sensationally be Gor Mahia's Benson Omala replacement?
Rooney Onyango scored a brace playing centre forward during Gor Mahia's CAF Champions League victory over El Merreikh, raising questions whether he could take over from Benson Omala.
Alphonce Omija -RB
Alphonce Omija has risen to international prominence since his heroic display against Ivory Coast last June that saw him win the man of the match accolade during their 0-0 draw in Malawi in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Although he can play as a defensive midfielder or a center back, all his caps for Kenya have come as a hybrid wide right center back or right back, and he will likely retain his position for this match especially in Daniel Anyembe’s absence.
Joseph Okumu -CB
Joseph Okumu will be taking part in his first ever competitive match for Kenya in three years, and his return to the side is a welcome boost considering he has found himself affected by injuries that have prevented him in taking part in the side’s first four World Cup qualifiers.
He is expected to occupy the right side of the two-man center back partnership.
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08:00 - 28.08.2024
Firat on why Michael Olunga can tend to be profligate for Harambee Stars, reveals tactical factor that can make him clinical
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has explained why Michael Olunga can be frustrating infront of goal for Harambee Stars, further revealing the tactical factor that can make him more efficient.
Sylvester Owino -CB
Johnstone Omurwa has been ruled out of the clash by Firat, and with Alphonce Omija the only player capable of playing as a right back, Firat only has Gor Mahia's Sylvester Owino and Bandari's Sharrif Majabe as his center back options.
Given Owino's international experience gained during the COSAFA Cup last June, he is likely to get the nod ahead of Majabe.
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08:41 - 16.09.2023
FOOTBALL Why Michael Olunga should not be judged on goals alone despite Harambee Stars drought
Michael Olunga has faced criticism from a section of Kenyan fans over his lack of goals for Harambee Stars but he brings much more to the side
Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma -LB
With Erick Ouma back in the team after shaking off a leg injury, he will be expected to start at left back with Aboud Omar dropping back to the bench.
Teddy Akumu -CM
Teddy Akumu has been an ever-present in the middle of the park since Kenya’s return to international football following the year-long ban imposed by FIFA in 2022. He was a constant fixture even when he was not getting alot of gametime for Japanese outfit Sagan Tosu - who later released him.
Now getting alot of gametime for Iranian topflight side Khorramabad, Akumu, who Firat has described as an important member of the set up, will be expected to partner Richard Odada against Zimbabwe.
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07:55 - 09.09.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars: Why Firat must stick with Omurwa-Okumu partnership in central defence
The centre-back pairing of Joseph Okumu and Johnstone Omurwa produced many positives in Thursday's win against Qatar and the Stars coach must avoid the temptation of tinkering with it
Richard Odada -CM
Just like Akumu, Odada has been a constant presence in the middle of the park under Firat’s guidance, and the new Dundee United man will likely complete the central midfield double-pivot.
Rooney Onyango -RW
Rooney Onyango will likely start as a right winger having established himself as one of the most important members of the camp. His ability to stretch the play, as well as influence the game in the final third makes him a valuable pick for the side.
Kenneth Muguna -AM
Kenneth Muguna will likely be the side’s creator in chief, with the likes of Austin Odhiambo and Duke Abuya, the other number 10s in the set up, likely to come on as impact substitutes, with their ability to unlock stubborn defences that sit deep a valuable tool.
Abuya has good off the ball movement, while Austin Odhiambo gives excellent line breaking passes, which could be valuable.
John Avire - LW
With Timothy Ouma also ruled out for this fixture, Firat only has Patrick Odhiambo and John Avire as his options capable of playing that flank. Both are capable of starting on that flank, offering pace and central access given their ability to cut inside and find the back of the net, but given his international experience, Avire could likely start.
Benson Omala -CF
With captain Michael Olunga’s availability at 50/50 according to a source close to the camp, Benson Omala is likely to get the nod upfront as the starting striker.
Although Firat still has John Avire and Jonah Ayunga as the other options at his disposal, Omala has adapted to his methods more, and he showed remarkable improvement with his general hold up play and ball retention during the COSAFA Cup in South Africa.
However, we expect Olunga to start if declared fully fit to start.
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