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Russia's manager hails Kenya's Harambee Stars as stronger than Cameroon, setting the stage for an intriguing clash in Antalya.
Russia national team manager Valery Karpin has stirred the pre-match chatter ahead of the highly anticipated friendly clash against Kenya on Monday, October 16, at the Titanic Sports Complex.
In a surprising statement, Karpin expressed his belief that Kenya possesses superior football talent compared to their African counterparts, Cameroon.
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08:00 - 14.10.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars set for surprise as Russia coach Valery Karpin guarantees change
Russia's coach Valery Karpin plans significant lineup changes for the friendly against Kenya, focusing on performance over results.
Russia, a consistent contender in the quadrennial FIFA World Cup and perennially in the upper echelons of the FIFA world rankings, faces a Kenyan team that currently sits at a distant 109th position.
"In comparison to Cameroon, Kenya boasts fewer players competing in top leagues. Their footballers may be less known to the general public, but they possess equal power and athleticism," Karpin asserted on Sunday as per Russia Football Union website.
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08:04 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars predicted line up for historic friendly against Russia
Sakari? Nondi? Juma? Olunga? Predicting Harambee Stars’ starting line-up for the Russia test on Monday evening.
The Russian national team, currently riding a seven-match unbeaten streak, secured a 1-0 victory against Cameroon in their latest encounter.
Karpin, however, believes that Kenya's playing style presents a more formidable challenge than what they experienced against Cameroon.
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07:31 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Debunking Engin Firat’s claim of Harambee Stars never playing a European nation
In the build up to the game against Iran, Firat claimed that Kenya has never locked horns with a European nation.
"From my perspective, I found Kenya's gameplay more appealing. When they have possession, they appear more organized and cohesive compared to Cameroon, who, in my opinion, seem to rely more on the individual qualities of their players," he added.
Despite Kenya's FIFA ranking lying outside the top hundred, Karpin emphasised that the upcoming match would not be an easy one.
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19:00 - 15.10.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars: Anyembe ruled out, Timbe doubtful for Kenya’s friendly with Russia
Harambee Stars will be without defender Daniel Anyembe during Monday’s friendly match against Russia while winger Ayub Timbe will need to pass a late fitness test
"Kenya comes across as a more well-coached team, making the upcoming match challenging. It won't be easy, and anyone assuming so due to the team's FIFA ranking outside the top hundred is mistaken," Karpin praised Kenya.
The friendly clash between Russia and Kenya holds added significance for both teams.
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06:31 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Explaining why Kenya staged friendly against FIFA banned Russia
The two nations will lock horns on Monday evening in what will be their first meeting in football ever.
Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat views this match as a crucial part of his preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to commence with Kenya facing Gabon away on Monday, November 13.
Meanwhile, Russia, having been suspended from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, is using this opportunity to fine-tune their squad for future competitions.
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