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Who will Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat pick in his starting line up against Gabon?
Harambee Stars are set to take on Gabon in a crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at the Stade de Franceville on Thursday.
Both sides have been drawn in Group F, alongside Burundi, Seychelles, Gambia and two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast.
Having been excluded from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers due to a FIFA suspension, Kenya brought their friendly schedules to an end on October 16 when they played out to a 2-2 against Russia at the Mardan Sports Complex.
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06:00 - 16.11.2023
FOOTBALL Firat reveals why qualifying for AFCON 2025 Round of 16 is a must ahead of ‘home’ 2027 edition
Engin Firat has revealed why both qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and getting to the knockout stages of that tournament is an absolute necessity for Harambee Stars.
Engin Firat's men have now featured in six friendly matches since the turn of the year, picking up one draw, losing three, and claiming victories over Pakistan and Qatar respectively.
Over the six games, it was evident that Firat came up with a clear starting lineup, but has been dealt a huge blow, especially in the defence, where four of his five players have been ruled out of the fixture due to injury.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, left-back Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma, right-back Daniel Anyembe and center-back Joseph Okumu will play no part in the fixture, which will leave his options interesting.
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09:04 - 16.11.2023
FOOTBALL Gabon vs Kenya: Preview, team news & recent form as injury-ravaged Harambee Stars seek positive start against the Panthers
Harambee Stars begin their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gabon in Franceville on Thursday evening and here is all you need to know ahead of the crunch clash
Here is the line up that we think Firat will start against Gabon tonight:
Goalkeeper- Patrick Matasi
We expect Patrick Matasi to start in goal in the absence of Byrne Omondi, who is out for three months nursing a leg injury that he suffered during the side’s 2-2 draw with Russia.
Matasi did fairly well when he came on as a substitute in that match, and Firat could look to him given his experience ahead of Bandari’s Joseph Ochuka and Zesco’s Ian Otieno.
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05:30 - 16.11.2023
FKFPL Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga brimming with confidence ahead of Gabon clash
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Right back -Amos Nondi
Nondi started as a right-back against Russia, although he can play as a right winger and midfielder. However, he has featured mostly at right back under Firat.
In the absence of Daniel Anyembe, Nondi is likely to get the nod in that position ahead of Daniel Sakari, who was included in the traveling party for the trip to Gabon
Center back -Johnstone Omurwa
Omurwa is the only fit first-choice central defender in the squad. He has finally come of age with his ball-playing ability, as well as his decision-making and organisational skills.
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21:33 - 15.11.2023
FOOTBALL Bandari custodian Joseph Ochuka ‘ready’ to make Harambee Stars debut at World Cup qualifiers
Ochuka was named in the final Harambee Stars squad for the two World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles
We expect him to start on the right side of the central defence in the absence of Joseph Okumu, who is another nursing a knock he suffered during Reims’ heavy 3-0 defeat to Kylian Mbappe’s PSG.
Center back -Dennis Ng’ang’a
The former Gor Mahia defender is in line for his first cap against Gabon tonight. We think he could be in line to make his debut tonight given the fact that Okumu is unavailable, as well as Brian Mandela of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Ng’ang’a is a good passer of the ball, will give the side left-footed balance and is a strong set-piece taker, something Stars rely on a lot to create chances.
Left back -Abud Omar
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20:12 - 15.11.2023
FOOTBALL Abud Omar reveals ambitious target for Harambee Stars ahead of Gabon, Seychelles clashes
The experienced Kenyan international has revealed Harambee Stars’ ambitious target for the upcoming two games against Gabon and Seychelles.
In the absence of Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma who is expected to be out for the game, Kenya Police’s Abud Omar is expected to start at left back.
Omar will need to stand up and be counted if Stars are to get a meaningful result against Gabon tonight given his vast experience.
Central Midfield- Anthony Akumu
Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu has been a constant starter under the stewardship of Engin Firat this year, and we do not think that will change tonight despite the fact Firat included a number of central midfielders in the squad.
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21:11 - 15.11.2023
2026 World Cup qualifiers: Officials for Gabon v Harambee Stars game named
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Central Midfield -Richard Odada
The evergreen Richard Odada will probably start alongside Anthony Akumu in the double pivot for the fixture against Gabon tonight. Odada’s ability to dictate the tempo of a match, as well as give line-breaking passes will go a long way if Stars are to start their campaign well.
Attacking midfield -Kenneth Muguna
Kenneth Muguna is expected to start in the role behind Michael Olunga, having started the last three games in that position.
He is expected to start ahead of Duke Abuya and Eric Johana Omondi, who earned a recall to the side for the first time in over two years.
Right winger - Rooney Onyango
Rooney Onyango will most likely get the not at right wing, where he can interchange with Amos Nondi whenever possible.
Onyango impressed on his debut against Russia, with Firat quick to praise him, and we expect that to be the case against Gabon ahead of more cultured wide men like Johana and Ayub Masika.
Left winger -Masud Juma
Masud Juma has been an ever present on the flanks under the stewardship of Engin Firat, who is a fan of his ability to isolate men one on one.
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15:30 - 15.11.2023
FOOTBALL Flashback: When Harambee Stars stole the show against Gabon in Libreville
In 2001 Harambee Stars faced Gabon in an unforgettable match in Libreville, sparking anticipation for their upcoming showdown after 22 years.
He will likely get the nod at left wing, where we may see him interchanging with Rooney Onyango.
Center forward - Michael Olunga
The captain will be expected to lead his teammates against Gabon upfront given his ability to hold up the ball, link up the play, run the channels and also get into goal scoring positions, with Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala starting on the bench.
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