D-day for Harambee Stars as they face stern test against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar

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FOOTBALL: D-day for Harambee Stars as they face stern test against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar

Festus Chuma 06:30 - 07.09.2023

The clash holds additional significance as their fourth friendly since FIFA lifted the international ban on Kenya on November 28.

The 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar will face Kenya in an international friendly match in Doha on Thursday evening.

The Al Janoub Stadium, which was one of the venues for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will once again host an exciting international fixture.

As the FIFA rankings reveal, Qatar stands at an impressive 59th place, while Kenya trails behind at 105th. 

This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between these two teams, promising an exciting spectacle for football enthusiasts.

For Harambee Stars, this match holds additional significance, as it is their fourth friendly since FIFA lifted the international ban on Kenya on November 28. 

Their recent friendly results include a narrow 2-1 loss to Iran on March 28, followed by a 1-0 victory against Pakistan. 

However, Kenya faced another 1-0 defeat, this time at the hands of the hosts Mauritius during the Four Nations Cup on June 14 and June 18.

Harambee Stars' head coach, Engin Firat, recognizes the importance of this challenging encounter against Qatar.

“These kinds of games are so important for country football, forget the national team because the reality is that Kenyan football is not really known around the world," Firat told reporters.

"This is a big opportunity to show who we are,this means not only to the national team but also the club football in Qatar.If we give a good show together with the impression that Olunga has shown in Qatar,it can open a lot of doors for our players."

In terms of player selection, Firat is expected to field a formidable lineup that includes local talents like Elvis Rupia of Kenya Police FC and Mosses Shummah of Kakamega Homeboyz. 

However, the spotlight will also be on Harambee Stars' captain, Michael Olunga, who currently plies his trade for Al Duhail in Qatar, adding a layer of intrigue to the match.

On the other side of the pitch, the Qatar national team, under the guidance of coach Carlos Queiroz, is in the midst of preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup in January 2024. 

Qatar has been making waves in international football, and Queiroz has recalled experienced players to bolster his squad.

 Forward Hassan Al Haydos and midfielder Akram Afif, along with defenders Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel, bring a wealth of experience to the team. 

In addition, midfielders Karim Boudiaf and Abdulaziz Hatem, along with goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb, have also returned to the 26-player squad.

Interestingly, Harambee Stars' captain, Michael Olunga, shares the same club, Al Duhail, with some of Qatar's key players, further intensifying the connections between the two sides.

As Kenya looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, with matches against Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Cote d’Ivoire on the horizon, this international friendly against Qatar serves as a vital test for the team's readiness and a chance to gain invaluable experience against a strong opponent.