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Harambee Stars face South Sudan on Tuesday, 4pm at Kasarani, focusing on adaptability ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Kenya national men’s football team, Harambee Stars, is gearing up for an exciting showdown against South Sudan in an upcoming international friendly at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
Coming fresh off a 2-1 victory over Qatar, the Harambee Stars have ignited national passion, with Kenyans everywhere celebrating their historic win.
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09:00 - 12.09.2023
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Harambee Stars prepare to face South Sudan without the two creative forwards.
As coach Engin Firat prepares his team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the showdown with South Sudan emerges as a riveting precursor, and on the match dynamics, he remarked that his strategy against the Bright Stars would differ.
“It's an entirely different match. We're up against a team with young, energetic players who defend with tenacity. Breaking their defense is tough, so patience is vital. With two players absent, we'll be modifying our setup. Yet, every game is unique,” he explained.
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10:00 - 12.09.2023
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Delving into the ethos he wants to inculcate in the team, Firat underscored the necessity of adaptability and game control.
“Our main goal is to learn, adapt, and control the match while retaining possession. This is crucial in contemporary football. Without this mindset, our chances are slim," he outlined, clarifying his vision for the Harambee Stars.
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08:00 - 12.09.2023
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Though many might prioritize the game's outcome, Firat is eyeing a wider scope.
“The result against South Sudan isn't my top concern. It's about how our players evolve and contribute," he observed. This stance underlines his aim to forge a versatile squad, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in view.
“For the World qualifiers, we have to adopt a long-term approach. I must have a contingency for injuries; thus, I constantly seek alternatives,” he shared.
“My aspiration is for our team to stay patient, pass precisely, and fashion opportunities. We aim to capitalize on these,” he finished.
07:00 - 12.09.2023
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Historically, Kenya has dominated South Sudan, clinching victories in all four past encounters, including significant triumphs in the Genocide Commemoration Cup in Rwanda and two bouts in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
Their latest face-off was in Nairobi in March 2021, where Kenya prevailed by one goal.
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06:30 - 12.09.2023
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Harambee Stars will miss defender in the friendly against South Sudan to be played at Kasarani.
Given this track record and Kenya's superior FIFA rank (105 vs. South Sudan's 167), the Harambee Stars are widely viewed as the clear favorites for the forthcoming match.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are shaping up to be pivotal for the Harambee Stars, as they find themselves in Group F alongside powerhouses such as Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and the formidable Côte d’Ivoire.
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