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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat fielded his team with a view to taking advantage of Namibia’s flaws and got it right as Kenya tamed the Brave Warriors in Johannesburg.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat lived up to his promise of taking advantage of Namibia’s offensive qualities as his side secured a morale-boosting 2-1 victory on Tuesday.
Kenya put up a great counterattacking display to claim all three points in the 2025 World Cup qualifier to move to the top of Group J on four points.
The win came after Firat had hinted at using the approach even before Namibia played their opening game against Cameroon.
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21:00 - 10.09.2024
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Firat was certain that if Namibia lost, then it could be a little easier for his team, as he would expect the Brave Warriors to play an open game which would allow his side to hit them on the break.
It is what happened as Namibia lost 1-0 and played offensively in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Knowing this would happen, Firat went with a lineup that would stretch Namibia, discarding the more defensive approach employed against Zimbabwe on Friday.
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18:16 - 10.09.2024
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John Avire was brought in particular for his ability to stretch the opponent while Johan Ayunga partnered him upfront.
The two forwards were instructed not to play narrow but rather stay wide and with Ayunga’s good hold-up play and Avire’s pace, they were able to capitalise on the gaps left behind by the Namibians.
Firat also gave his full-backs Amos Nondi and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma the freedom to bomb forward whenever an opportunity arose and with their pace, they were crucial to the win.
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21:59 - 07.09.2024
Harambee Stars coach gets his wish as Namibia lose to Cameroon ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Kenya
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat had his wish granted as his team’s next opponents Namibia were beaten by Cameroon on Saturday ahead of next week’s meeting with Kenya.
Avire gave Kenya the lead via a brilliant freekick after some good movements before the goal and played a huge part in the second.
As Namibia went to attack a corner, they failed to utilise it and the ball fell to Avire who turned it over to Ouma, who was already on his bike.
The full-back showed great pace before squaring the ball to Duke Abuya to slam home the second as their opponents were outnumbered at the back.
Harambee Stars should have found a third one soon after when Marcelo started another counter attack, the ball falling to Abuya but the midfielder was not able to connect well as a great opportunity slipped away.
In the end, Firat will feel happy that his players executed his plan and will be thankful that Namibia allowed them to play to their strengths, although their next opponents Cameroon will present a different challenge in October.
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