The Harambee Stars are prepared for a pivotal World Cup Qualifier against The Gambia, with Captain Michael Olunga highlighting their readiness. The match will take place tomorrow in Ivory Coast, as the team aims to strengthen their position in Group F under new coach Benni McCarthy. After facing The Gambia, they will host Gabon on March 23rd.
The national soccer team, Harambee Stars, is poised to face The Gambia in a vital World Cup Qualifier scheduled for tomorrow in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. KBC TV will broadcast the match at 10 PM East Africa Time. Due to the absence of sufficient CAF/FIFA accredited facilities, The Gambia will serve as the hosting nation at the Allasane Outtara Stadium.
Captain Michael Olunga expressed confidence, acknowledging the challenge posed by The Gambia, whom he characterized as a “tough team.” He remarked, “Everybody is really looking forward to these two fixtures… We are facing Gambia, which is rising in Africa and also has a good squad, so it’s going to be a good encounter to showcase our worth.” The team departed for Ivory Coast on Tuesday.
Kenya’s newly appointed head coach, Benni McCarthy, aims to solidify the team’s position following a series of mixed results. Olunga noted, “It’s a new start and the dynamics are different, and we have to be patient with the team… Hopefully, we can go and post a positive result.”
Coach McCarthy conveyed his enthusiasm regarding the upcoming qualifiers, stating, “I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers… There’s plenty of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team.”
Following the fixture against The Gambia, Kenya will host Gabon on March 23rd at Nyayo National Stadium. At present, Kenya ranks fourth in Group F with five points, having secured one victory against Seychelles and drawing twice with Burundi and Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, while Gabon and Burundi follow with 9 and 7 points, respectively.
The Harambee Stars squad includes:
– Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo.
– Defenders: Jonestone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango.
– Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi.
– Forwards: Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire, Michael Olunga.
In summary, the Harambee Stars are gearing up for an essential World Cup Qualifier against The Gambia, with Captain Michael Olunga expressing confidence in the team’s capabilities. Led by new coach Benni McCarthy, they are seeking to improve their standings in Group F. The match, which will highlight the talents of the players, is crucial as Kenya also prepares for an upcoming fixture against Gabon.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
