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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has disclosed that he is planning on having a friendly match between Kenya and either France or Italy next summer
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is keen to secure a friendly match against either France or Italy next year.
The Turkish coach says he has helped Kenya secure matches against Iran, Qatar and Russia and is now looking at a former World Cup winner with either France or Italy in his sights.
“I organised high-profile international friendlies for the national team against Iran, Qatar and Russia, all of which offered a big chance to show the talent of Kenyan players to the world,” Firat told People Daily.
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16:00 - 23.11.2023
FOOTBALL Firat earmarks two crucial Harambee Stars matches in quest for maiden World Cup appearance
Kenya will play their next World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and the Gambia at home.
“When we played Russia, the match was watched by millions of fans, scouts, coaches and marketers in the entire East Europe. Rooney Onyango was playing and a commentator mentioned him and his club Gor Mahia on live Russian television a minimum of 15 times. What a great marketing that was for the player and club.
“I have the ability to organise all this through my personal contacts, and next Summer, I plan to secure a match against a big team probably former world champions France or Italy. Some people may think it’s a pipe dream, but through my close contacts, it will happen.”
Kenya have never faced either four-time world champions Italy or France, who have won the World Cup twice, and it remains to be seen if Firat’s efforts will yield results.
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07:02 - 23.11.2023
FOOTBALL Ghost Mulee explains how Harambee Stars can seal unlikely 2026 World Cup qualification
The former Harambee Stars coach believes Kenya have every chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they sort out certain things before their next match.
Harambee Stars lost 2-1 to Iran in March before a 2-1 win away to Qatar in September and followed it with a thrilling 2-2 draw with Russia in October.
They got their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a bad start when they lost 2-1 away to Gabon but made amends by beating Seychelles 5-0 on Monday.
Both Italy and France have already qualified for Euro 2024 and Firat will be hoping to secure the match before they begin the June 41-July 14, 2024 tournament in Germany which will also act as part of Kenya’s preparations for their World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast on June 3 and 10 respectively.
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11:00 - 22.11.2023
FOOTBALL Engin Firat explains why Harambee Stars faltered against Gabon
The former Eintracht Frankfurt director of football is adamant that Harambee Stars would be top of the group had he had his key defenders and goalkeeper fit.
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