Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat, appears to have identified a core group of players whom he trusts. This signals his approach to selecting the team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Firat and his team recently earned a commendable 2-2 draw against Russia, coming tantalizingly close to achieving a historic victory. Anthony Akumu canceled out Aleksandr Sobolev’s early goal for Russia, and Masoud Juma subsequently put Kenya in the lead with a 2-1 scoreline before halftime. Firat’s squad seemed poised for victory until Ivan Oblyakov scored a late equalizer for the European side.
The result left Firat elated and provided a strong response to his critics, who had anticipated a heavy defeat for Kenya. He commented, “We were very organized and played well. Many people expected us to concede five or six goals in this kind of game, and I am pleased that we proved them wrong, demonstrating that we are on the right path to compete with strong teams. I hope we can carry this momentum into the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.”
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers represent a critical phase for Firat’s team as they embark on their journey towards the 2026 tournament. They face an away match against Gabon on November 13, followed by matches against Seychelles (away), Burundi (home), Ivory Coast (home), and the Gambia (away) in the first round.
With no room for error in these qualifiers, Firat must ensure that his squad selection and tactical decisions are spot on.
A closer look at his recent line-ups reveals that the Turkish tactician appears to have already settled on a core team, as it has remained largely unchanged in three consecutive matches.
In a friendly against Qatar in September, he stuck with KCB goalkeeper Bryne Odhimabo, paired Johnstone Omurwa and Joseph Okumu in central defense, positioned Daniel Anyembe as right-back, and placed Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma as left-back. In midfield, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, and Kenneth Muguna were deployed, with Elvis Rupia and Masoud Juma playing on either side of captain Michael Olunga in the attack.
Firat made only one change when Kenya faced South Sudan four days later, with Brian Mandela stepping in at center-back alongside Okumu, following Omurwa’s early return to his club Estrela da Amadora due to a club request.
In the match against Russia, only two changes were made. Amos Nondi played at right-back in the absence of Anyembe, who was delayed by his Danish club Viborg, while Gor Mahia’s Rooney Onyango replaced Rupia, who was not called up for the match.
Although additional players may still be added in the future, it appears that Firat has already identified a core group, particularly in defense and midfield, that he intends to rely on.
This lineup has produced mixed results, including a 2-1 victory over Qatar, the draw against Russia, and a 1-0 loss to South Sudan. Nevertheless, there has been purpose and organization in Kenya’s play, a significant improvement from their lackluster performance in the four-nations tournament in June.
The team now features a proper back four with full-backs in their natural positions but with the freedom to venture forward, providing an added attacking threat. The partnership between Omurwa and Okumu in defense has also shown promise, explaining why Firat has been reluctant to make changes.
While the midfield lacks creativity, Firat appears to prioritize a safety-first approach with Odada, Akumu, and Muguna. Much of Kenya’s creativity comes from the wings and full-backs, with defenders contributing impressive long passes over the opposition’s midfield. However, it’s not a sustainable strategy.
Firat may consider giving Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo a chance in future matches. His intelligence and ability to deliver accurate passes could unlock the opposition’s defense and provide much-needed support to Olunga, who has faced criticism for his goal drought with the national team.
In conclusion, Harambee Stars are a team in development, but they have begun to exhibit some positive signs. Coach Firat can build on these positives as they strive to secure World Cup qualification for the first time in their history.
