- The brave warriors suffered a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in their opener.
- Just like Kenya, they have no CAF-certified stadium and will host Stars in their neighbour’s yard in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Image: Hand out
Harambee stars head coach Engin Firat will lead his injury-stricken team against Namibia, in an African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier Tuesday at 7pm.
The brave warriors who suffered a 1-0 loss to Cameroon in their opener, just like Kenya have no CAF-certified stadium and will host Stars in their neighbour’s yard in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Firat will miss the services of defender Alphonce Omija who suffered a knee injury during their nil-nil draw qualifier against Zimbabwe on Friday last week in Kampala, Uganda.
The Gor Mahia defender returned home for further treatment, while his teammates flew directly to South Africa.
Omija joins captain Michael Olunga in the sick bay, while Eric Ouma who was subbed at halftime against Zimbabwe is not 100 per cent fit.
Image: Hand out
Firat was already missing first-choice centre back Johnstone Omurwa who is believed to be chasing a deal with an Israel top side, and Daniel Anyembe who opted out due to personal issues.
Another star regular, Sweden-based Timothy Ouma has gone MIA, despite being released by his club to join camp.
Having gotten a backlash from fans for playing without a striker against Zimbabwe in a tactical experiment that backfired, Firat must bring his goal poachers Benson Omalla, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire, and Victor Omune to the party.
He must also adjust his defence with Omija and Ouma out.
Firat says they expect a tough clash considering they already have nine players missing through injuries, but he is positive of getting a good result at the Jo'berg the "City of Gold".
“Namibia are disciplined, they play from deep and are very swift, despite missing important players like Olunga. We have to adapt to every situation. There are no excuses we have to be ready,” Firat said.
The Turkish tactician has singled out Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile and Cape Town City attacking midfielder Prins Menelik Tjiueza as Namibia's danger men.
“We know how Namibia plays, and Kenya has always lost to them away. They have very dangerous players like Peter Shalulile and Prins. You know we miss our captain Michael Olunga who is very important to us, but we must find a solution. "
Stars were Monday visited by Kenya's High Commissioner to South Africa, Jane Ndurumo, and her team at Jo'burg camp.
Firat will be hoping her inspiring support will boost their spirits ahead of the clash.
Meanwhile, Namibia coach Collins Benjamin says they expect a tough clash against stars and is weary of counterattack style.
“I think it is going to be an interesting match because any team can win. We expect a tactical encounter, they will likely exploit the counterattack, which they are good at. We played well against Cameroon, defended as a block and only conceded late. This shows we are in good shape and ready to go. Said Benjamin
The two sides have played six times, with Kenya winning twice and losing four.
All matches have ended in a 1-0 victory for either side, with no draw at all.
The biggest scoring margin was a 2-1 win for Namibia in a World Cup/Afcon qualifier on May 31st 2008.
Meanwhile, group “J” table toppers Cameroon will be up against Zimbabwe in Kampala, Uganda at 7 pm.
Group winners and runners-up will qualify for the Morocco, 2025 AFCON tournament.