Kenya’s Harambee Stars Prepared for World Cup Qualifier Against The Gambia
Kenya’s Harambee Stars are geared up to face The Gambia in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Team captain Michael Olunga expresses confidence in their preparation, acknowledging the challenges posed by The Gambia. Coach Benni Maccarthy is enthusiastic about leading his first qualifiers, focusing on adopting a new style of play. Kenya’s current standing in Group F reflects the need for a positive result to improve their chances of advancing.
The Kenyan national soccer team, Harambee Stars, is preparing to face The Gambia in a vital World Cup Qualifier on Thursday in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The match will be aired live by KBC TV at 10 PM East Africa Time. The Gambia is hosting the match at the Allasane Outtara Stadium due to the unavailability of CAF/FIFA accredited facilities in their home country.
Team captain Michael Olunga has declared readiness for the challenge, recognizing The Gambia as a formidable opponent. He stated, “Everybody is really looking forward to these two fixtures; we know the group is still open. We are facing Gambia, which is rising in Africa and has a good squad, so it is going to be a good encounter to showcase our worth.” The Harambee Stars aim to assert their presence in the highly competitive qualifying group under the leadership of new head coach Benni Maccarthy.
Olunga emphasized the importance of adapting to Maccarthy’s new style of play, reflecting on the excitement surrounding the team’s potential. He noted, “It’s a new start and the dynamics are different; we have to be patient with the team. We hope to post a positive result.” Coach Maccarthy expressed enthusiasm about his upcoming World Cup qualifiers, stating, “I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers. I’m eager to work with the talented squad I’ve selected for the campaign. There’s plenty of hard work and dedication ahead, but we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team.”
Following the encounter with The Gambia, Kenya will host Gabon on March 23rd at Nyayo National Stadium. Currently, after four rounds, Kenya holds fourth place in Group F with five points, having secured a win against Seychelles and two draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, with Gabon and Burundi closely trailing at 9 and 7 points, respectively.
The current Harambee Stars squad consists of:
– 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 preparation for the forthcoming World Cup Qualifier against The Gambia, Kenya’s Harambee Stars exhibit readiness and optimism. Captain Michael Olunga highlights the competitive nature of the fixture, while the team’s new head coach Benni Maccarthy emphasizes the excitement of the challenge ahead. With a strategic approach and a carefully selected squad, the team seeks to secure vital points in their qualifying campaign.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
