Harambee Stars will face The Gambia in a World Cup Qualifier in Abidjan. Captain Michael Olunga is optimistic about the match, emphasizing their need for a strong showing. Head Coach Benni McCarthy is excited for his first qualifiers, aiming for success with a young and talented roster. After Gambia, Kenya will play Gabon on March 23rd, as they seek to improve their standing in Group F.
Kenya’s national soccer team, Harambee Stars, is gearing up to face The Gambia in a vital World Cup Qualifier slated for tomorrow in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. KBC TV will broadcast the match live at 10 PM East Africa Time. The Gambia has been designated as the host due to unavailable CAF/FIFA accredited facilities in their homeland, utilizing the Allasane Outtara Stadium for the match.
Captain Michael Olunga is optimistic about the team’s prospects against a “tough” Gambia squad. “Everybody is really looking forward to these two fixtures… we are facing Gambia which is rising in Africa and also have a good squad,” Olunga commented during the team’s departure. He acknowledged the significance of the match in the ongoing group stage.
Under newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya aims to assert their position in a competitive group. Olunga noted, “It’s a new start and the dynamics are different… we have to adopt to the new style of play that the new coach wants us to play.” He expressed anticipation for the young team’s capabilities and hopes for a positive outcome.
Coach McCarthy shared his enthusiasm for leading the squad in his first two World Cup qualifying matches. “I’m thrilled to lead my first two World Cup qualifiers… we’re ready to embrace the challenge as a team,” he stated, emphasizing the hard work ahead in preparation.
Following the match against Gambia, Kenya will face Gabon on March 23rd at Nyayo National Stadium. Currently, Kenya is fourth in Group F with five points from four rounds, featuring a win against Seychelles and draws against Burundi and Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, while Gabon and Burundi sit second and third with 9 and 7 points respectively.
The Harambee Stars squad includes:
– Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo
– Defenders: Jonestone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango
– Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi
– Forwards: Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire, Michael Olunga
Harambee Stars is poised for a significant match against The Gambia in their World Cup qualifying campaign, with Captain Michael Olunga leading the charge. The team, under Coach Benni McCarthy, aims to strengthen their position in Group F following a string of mixed results. The squad is hopeful for a strong performance, demonstrating the potential of its youthful players. Upcoming matches, including one against Gabon, will be pivotal for their progression.
Original Source: www.kbc.co.ke
