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Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has urged caution ahead of crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia, highlighting the two team's quality.
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, is bracing for two decisive fixtures in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Head coach Engin Firat has stressed the importance of a cautious approach as Kenya prepares to face Zimbabwe on Friday, November 15, at South Africa’s Peter Mokaba Stadium before confronting Namibia four days later at the same venue.
With just two games left in the group stage, Firat is focused on navigating these crucial matchups.
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15:58 - 11.11.2024
Why Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is unhappy with choice of venue for Zimbabwe v Kenya match
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has expressed his reservations over Zimbabwe’s decision to host their AFCON qualifier against Kenya in South Africa’s northeastern city of Polokwane.
Zimbabwe and Namibia, known for their disciplined defense and counter-attacking strategies, present formidable challenges.
“You know Namibia and Zimbabwe will play against us very deep. They will play on counterattack. They will not open the game,” Firat said via Tata Sport.
He highlighted Zimbabwe’s talented squad, featuring players from leagues like Serie A, the Premier League, and Ligue 1, and adding, “Nobody's missing in the squad. Therefore, we know that we have to pressure, we have to push.”
The stakes are high for Kenya with Zimbabwe conceding just one goal thus far and Namibia’s standing as a World Cup qualifier group runner-up, the Stars face formidable opposition.
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05:32 - 12.11.2024
Michael Olunga: Five goals in his last five games, should Zimbabwe & Namibia be worried?
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga comes into the November AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia in fine form which should give coach Engin Firat plenty of hope.
Firat emphasized the resilience of their opponents, noting, “Some people don't know how strong these teams are. We are aware of it, but it doesn't change the fact that we want to win.”
To keep hopes alive, Kenya must win both matches and hope for favorable results from the Tuesday clash between Cameroon and Zimbabwe.
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