- Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, who replaced Patrick Matasi between the sticks, will likely start against after pulling off strings of saves and proving to be a good ball distributor.
Image: HANDOUT
After a disappointing goalless draw with Zimbabwe in their opening Group J Afcon 2025 qualifier in Uganda on September 6, 2024, Harambee stars will have little time to recover as they take on Namibia in their second match tomorrow.
While Stars coach Engin Firat comes into this match with a tactical headache following a horrible show that left fans and pundits fuming over his game plan, the hosts have to lick their wounds and rise to the occasion after a 1-0 loss in the hands of five-time Afcon champions Cameroon on Saturday.
Firat will still miss injured captain Michael Olunga and Johnstone Omurwa, with Reims defender Joseph Okumu filling in his big boots again, albeit from the back, alongside new gem Sylvester Owino.
However, the Turkish tactician must get his tactics right and play his goal poachers Benson Omalla, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire, and Victor Omune.
The quadruple started from the bench against Zimbabwe.
The Warriors goalkeeper Washington Arubi was on holiday for the better part of the game, as he wasn’t tested at all save for a one-on-one situation in which Eric Ouma shot wide.
"All the players deserved their place in the team, only that we were unlucky not to have won the game. One requires a great deal of mental strength to deliver at this level of competition," said Firat, who also blamed injuries and the lack of a proper stadium in Kenya.
Seasoned left-back Aboud Omar will likely start in place of Eric Ouma, who got a knock, while Amos Nondi may slot in at right-back if Alphonce Omija doesn’t recover after being substituted in the opening stages of the game.
Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, who replaced Patrick Matasi between the sticks, will likely start against after pulling off strings of saves and proving to be a good ball distributor.
Whatever tactics Firats uses, Kenyans will be hoping Stars pick three points against the brave warriors at Orlando Stadium, South Africa.
However, former Stars head coach Jacob Mulee says the Namibian game will be difficult considering the Warriors have many European-based players and play a swift game that can catch the Stars flatfooted.
“This is not Namibia. Stopping the brace warriors who have proved they aren’t pushovers, having reached the Afcon 2023 last 16," Ghost said.
Kenya beat Namibia 1-0 on September 8, 2013, in a FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifier, with pride and three points at stake.
Meanwhile, Group J leaders, Cameroon, will battle Zimbabwe in Kampala, Uganda, in their second clash tomorrow.