Harambee Stars lines up two friendlies in March after 16 months

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Harambee Stars lines up two friendlies in March after 16 months

Imran Otieno • 13:15 - 11.02.2023

The last time Kenya played was back in November 2021.

After 495 days of being in the cold, Harambee Stars will finally return to the pitch in March to play two friendlies against Burundi during the first international break of the year.

The two games against Burundi are slated for Saturday 25th and Tuesday 28th March but the venue of the games are yet to be communicated.

Kenya have been serving a FIFA suspension after the government disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) back in November on grounds of misappropriation of public funds.

The suspension was lifted back in November 2022 after the new government under the stewardship of Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba reinstated the previous federation office.

Kenya last played against Rwanda in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which they won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Michael Olunga and RIchard Odada.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat who recently made a sensational return to the national team after his previous three months contract elapsed back in 2021 emphasized on the importance of the friendlies

“It is important to keep the team engaged, to keep working so that we are able to play at a good level when we return,” said the former Moldova head coach.

On his part FKF CEO Barry Otieno noted that the friendlies will help the country keep in shape after staying for more than a year without competitive football.

“Football is coming back from a very difficult period. We have missed big opportunities for both men and women. These friendlies are the first step in rebuilding the team and getting us ready for competitive international football,” said Barry.

Kenya were drawn in the same Group with Burundi in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifers alongside Cameroon and Namibia.

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