)
Pulse Sports dissects Engin Firat’s final squad and predicts how the players can be lined up in Mauritius.
Harambee Stars are set to take on Pakistan for their first match in the Four-Nations tournament on Wednesday afternoon.
Ideally, this would have been their second engagement in the non-competitive tournament, but delayed travel meant the match against Djibuoti on Sunday could not go on.
As Firat overseas his second friendly game since the FIFA suspension was lifted, eyes will be keen to see how the former Moldova coach will draft his starting XI.
)
19:20 - 13.06.2023
FOOTBALL Full house! Harambee Stars duo join squad in Mauritius
The two senior players completed the squad for the Four Nations Tournament.
In goal, experienced goalkeeper Ian Otieno is expected to take charge, although the goalkeeper made intermittent appearances for his club, Zesco United, last season.
Firat dropped Patrick Matasi, who had always been his preferred number one choice, but the absence of the former Tusker and Posta Rangers custodian could be a blessing in disguise for Otieno.
Against Iran, Otieno was on the bench.
Eric Ouma is expected to keep his place at left-back, while Amos Nondi, who also featured against Iran, could keep the right-back position.
)
14:26 - 13.06.2023
FOOTBALL: Dropped Harambee Stars players up in arms over unpaid Iran allowances
FKF is silent since giving players a promise of settling their wages.
With the absence of both Joseph Okumu and Brian Mandela, the centre-backs depended on Robinson Kamura and Collins Sichenje in the last friendly game to line up at the heart of the defence.
Sichienje is a utility player who can play both as a defender and a deep-lying midfielder, and this aspect will be an advantage for Stars if he plays.
Teddy Akumu and Richard Odada are expected to keep their places and partner one another in Kenya’s deep midfield, just as they did during the Iran friendly.
With Duke Abuya failing to make the cut this time around, Clifton Miheso could be used.
AFC Leopards’ Victor Omune is also expected to keep his slot in the starting line up and be deployed as either an attacking midfielder or a winger.
Benson Omala has a chance of featuring as a second striker given that Masoud Juma, who started alongside Mihael Olunga against Iran, is not available.
)
09:32 - 13.06.2023
FOOTBALL: Promising players set for Harambee Stars debut in Mauritius
With Engin Firat keen to develop a youthful and competitive side, Pulse Sports identifies those in line for debuts.
Harambee Stars Predicted XI: Ian Otieno, Eric Ouma, Amos Nondi, Robinson Kmaura, Collins Sichenje, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Victor Omune, Clifton Miheso, Benson Omala, Michael Olunga.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)