Harambee Stars' head coach Engin Firat has expressed immense confidence in the potential of his charges to prevail over Burundi in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Kenyan lads will lock horns in a ferocious battle with the Swallows of Burundi at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe today at 4 pm (Kenyan time).
Firat said they had rummaged through the archives and gathered sufficient ammunition to gun down their opponents.
"Tomorrow we're facing a rival with a very high transition game. They play very fast and deep. They have speedy players and I believe they will make use of the available space if we press them. They'll try to get the long balls behind our players so we're prepared for it," Firat stated.
"We also need to be mentally prepared for it and I hope everything will be okay tomorrow. We shall be going for the three points tomorrow. Like I told you, I'll never give up on the boys. Our focus is to get maximum points to boost our qualification chances," he added.
Echoing Firat's sentiments, skipper Michael Olunga promised an excellent outing, adding they would do everything possible to make the nation proud.
"We had a good journey and arrived safely in Malawi. We're prepared for our match. All players are ready to give it their best shot and I'm confident we'll register positive results," Olunga stated.
"It won't be an easy match given Burundi have performed well in their earlier matches. They won 3-2 and lost 2-1 so they are worthy opponents and it will be a tough encounter," he added.
He lavished praise on the technical bench, commending them for a job well done in preparing the team.
"Our coaches have done a wonderful job on us and we are ready to give our opponents a run for their money. We appreciate everyone who facilitated our safe travel and comfortable stay in Malawi. The ball is now in our court and we promise to deliver," said Olunga.
Burundi head coach Ettiene Ndayiragije promised to present a good challenge, adding that they are not ready for a loss.
"We are here to secure a slot in the World Cup. We respect Kenya a lot but we are not scared. We're equal to the task. My boys will deliver," he said.
The Stars are third in Group 'F' behind Ivory Coast and Gabon. Other nations in the group of death include continental minnows Seychelles whom Kenya thrashed 5-0 in their last tie in Abidjan, and Gambia who have since acquired the services of immediate former Gor Mahia head coach Johnathan McKinstry.
Only the top team in the group will qualify for the 48-team World Cup, which will be played across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Four of the best runners-up from the nine groups will have a chance in a playoff that will determine CAF’s representative in the Inter-confederation playoffs involving six teams, which will decide the last two Fifa World Cup berths.
