FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Harambee Stars Assistant Coach Reveals Biggest Challenge Ahead of Seychelles Clash

Vasili Manousakis

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Harambee Stars Assistant Coach Reveals Biggest Challenge Ahead of Seychelles Clash

Abigael Wafula 06:28 - 08.09.2025

Vasili Manousakis has admitted that their biggest challenge before facing Seychelles is selecting a squad strong enough to avoid the errors that cost them against The Gambia.

Harambee Stars assistant coach Vasili Manousakis has discussed the major hurdle they face ahead of their match against Seychelles after a shocking 3-1 defeat to The Gambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Harambee Stars faced the Scorpions in their second-leg match after drawing 3-3 in the first leg encounter and were hoping to maintain that momentum, but the latter gave them a run for their money.

All the goals scored by the Scorpions came in the first half through Sheriff Sinyan (12th minute), Yankuba Minteh (26th minute) and Musa Barrow (38th minute). Ryan Ogam came in as a late substitute, scoring in the 81st minute, but there was no time to add other goals.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Now, as Harambee Stars gear up for their next match against Seychelles, Vasili Manousakis has revealed their plans as he reflected on their poor showing in the Gambia clash.

Harambee Stars Assistant Coach Reveals Major Hurdle Ahead of Seychelles Clash

Harambee Stars vs Seychelles
Harambee Stars players during training. Photo: FKF Media

Vasili Manousakis revealed that at the moment, their focus is on winning their match against Seychelles, and they have been working on both their physical and mental strength.

He disclosed that they are not after analysing how Seychelles play but working on their tactics to ensure they are unbeatable.

The Harambee Stars assistant coach admitted that selecting a formidable squad is now their biggest challenge, noting that they need to have players who will make an impact from the first half to the end of the match.

“We can’t worry about Seychelles, of course, we respect them as an opponent, but we can’t be too focused on what they are doing,” he revealed in a video shared by Pepeta on X (Twitter).

“We have to concentrate on ourselves, fix our errors and play on the front foot and start well. That gives us a headache about who we need to select to make a difference.”

Vasili Manousakis Reflects on Harambee Stars' Loss to The Gambia

Ex-Gor Mahia Coach Johnathan McKinstry on How He Masterminded Gambia's Win Over Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars at Kasarani
Gambia players celebrate Musa Barrow's goal during their 3-1 win over Harambee Stars. Image || GFF

Vasili Manousakis said that after their match against The Gambia, they had to do some post-match analysis, noting that it was less about what the Scorpions did and more about the things they themselves did right and the areas where they fell short.

He added that there were many football moments in the first half that were not up to their standards when the match was reviewed.

“Of course, there were many things that we did incredibly well. We started at a very high tempo and thought we had Gambia on the back foot, but I think when you make individual mistakes and we suffer from a goal, that kills the morale,” he pointed out.

“We’ve had to look back and critique those moments, and we created some good chances, which was very good for us.”

Kenya are now fifth in Group F with six points ahead of Seychelles, who are sixth, with zero points. Ivory Coast are first with 19 points, with Gabon in second place (18). Burundi and The Gambia are third and fourth with 10 and seven points, respectively.