Firat reveals how recent high-profile friendlies could help Kenya in World Cup qualifiers

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has revealed how playing friendly matches against teams like Russia, Iran and Qatar in 2023 has helped his team as they prepare for the monumental challenge of facing Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Stars took part in six friendly matches following the lifting of the FIFA ban that had curtailed the progress of the country’s football in late 2021 and for most of 2022.

They have since taken part in three competitive matches, all 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon, Seychelles and Burundi, and they have registered a win, a draw and a loss.

Now, they face a monumental challenge of facing the reigning African Champions, and they have their work cut out to get a good result, considering the squad is decimated by injuries. 

However, Firat believes the friendly matches, which saw them post some good results against nations of such calibre, helped boost them psychologically ahead of what looks like an uphill task.

“When I came to Kenya, I tried to make sure that we played as many strong teams as possible. We played against reigning Asian champions Qatar. We played against former European and Olympic champions Russia,” Firat told the media before the match.

“With these games, I wanted the boys to gain more exposure and confidence in themselves so that they do not feel inferior to other teams. That is why I think we will not have a confidence problem.”

Firat believes the recent negatives that have affected the camp, from injuries to embarrassing situations of new players failing to acquire all the documentation needed in time to be allowed to represent the country, may have psychologically rubbed the players off the wrong way.

However, he has revealed an attribute about the team that Kenyan fans will want to hear his team still has amidst the adversity.

“If you have a lot of negative news, it will have a lot of effect on you. If you make mistakes, you think too much about it and it can lead to another. We try now with the players we have (to find solutions).

“Ivory Coast have a strong squad. No one is missing. But we will try to play with teamwork and try our best again (to get a result).”

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