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The FKF vice president has insisted that Harambee Stars are confident and fully prepared ahead of their clash with the Ivory Coast.
Football Kenya Federation vice president McDonald Mariga has explained why Harambee Stars have no reason to lose in their final World Cup qualifier match against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday, October 14.
McDonald Mariga acknowledged that the match will not be a walk in the park, but disclosed that following the support Harambee Stars have received from the federation and government, they need to get good results.
Ivory Coast are on top of Group F with 23 points ahead of Gabon, who have 22 points. Harambee Stars are third with 12 points. The match is a must-win for the Ivory Coast if they are to automatically make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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06:15 - 14.10.2025
Harambee Stars are set to challenge the Ivory Coast in a high-stakes qualifier, determined not to make it an easy win for the African champions.
However, Harambee Stars are also chasing FIFA rankings, and they will be looking to frustrate the African champions.
McDonald Mariga: Players Have Prepared Well
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McDonald Mariga said that the team is in high spirits and has prepared thoroughly ahead of their match against the Ivory Coast, and he expressed confidence in achieving positive results on Tuesday.
He added that the federation had been supportive, noting that as vice president, he had observed the president, Hussein Mohammed, ensuring both the men’s and women’s teams entered camp on time and were well looked after, with additional backing from the government.
McDoald Mariga also highlighted the excellent training facilities, saying that the quality pitches helped motivate players and made it easier to spot emerging talent.
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20:50 - 13.10.2025
Harambee Stars looked lethargic and uncoordinated during the first half against Burundi until they subbed on Timothy Ouma.
“The mood in the team is great, and players have prepared well, and we are waiting for Tuesday to get good results. The federation has been supporting the teams because I’ve been following up as the vice president, and president Hussein is doing a good job,” he told FKF Media.
“He makes sure that teams get into the camp in good time, both men and women. He makes sure that all the teams are well taken care of, and the government has also supported us well.
“The infrastructure has been great, and we have good pitches to train on, and I think with that, players are motivated to play, and it’s easier to identify new talents.”
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20:18 - 13.10.2025
Benni McCarthy Facing Selection Dilemma as Key Defender is Suspended for Ivory Coast Match
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy will have to do without one of his dependable players when they clash away to Ivory Coast, giving him a selection headache.
Mariga stated that the team’s goal is to qualify for upcoming tournaments, emphasising that although Benni McCarthy joined them midway through the World Cup qualifiers, Harambee Stars are determined to improve their rankings and climb the standings.
He explained that such strong performances will help Kenya rise in FIFA rankings and help players secure better opportunities abroad, noting that when players feel comfortable and supported, their focus is solely on winning matches.
Mariga acknowledged that the upcoming encounter against the Ivory Coast would be challenging, pointing out that they are on top of the group and have everything to play for.
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15:49 - 13.10.2025
Harambee Stars Coach Explains Why Charges Will Not Park The Bus Against Ivory Coast in Abidjan
Harambee Stars take on African Champions Ivory Coast in a high stakes World Cup qualifying encounter in Abidjan on Tuesday.
However, McDonald Mariga stressed that it is equally important for Harambee Stars to approach it as a must-win fixture.
“We want to qualify for these tournaments, and as you know, we entered this World Cup halfway and we want to get rankings and rise through the standings so that players can get great deals abroad,” he added.
“When players are comfortable, all they want to do is win matches. It will not be an easy match because they are number one in the group, and it’s a must-win for them, but also for us.”
McDonald Mariga emphasised that while Harambee Stars face a tough challenge against the group leaders, the team’s strong preparation, federation and government support, and high morale put them in a position to compete fiercely.
With a focus on improving rankings, Harambee Stars are determined to approach Tuesday’s match with determination, aiming to make their mark against one of Africa’s top sides.