)
Kenya will look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against South Sudan in the CHAN qualifiers with coach Engin Firat’s reshuffled squad aiming to restore national pride and silence recent critics.
If Engin Firat has any hope of restoring faith among Harambee Stars fans Sunday’s second-leg clash against South Sudan at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala offers a chance for redemption.
Kenya, after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the first leg, must either win by three clear goals to progress outright or secure a 2-0 victory to force the tie into a penalty shootout.
The high stakes and the need for a convincing victory add weight to what has already been a pressure-laden period for Firat, whose tenure has seen rising criticism and calls for his departure.
)
21:45 - 02.11.2024
Harambee Stars goalkeeper Ian Otieno heroics power 10-man Richards Bay to Carling Knockout semis in dramatic shootout
Ian Otieno produced a heroic performance, leading 10-man Richards Bay to a dramatic 5-4 Carling Knockout quarter-final victory in penalties.
Stars arrived in Kampala on Thursday and have been training intensively as they prepare for the clash.
Firat made sweeping changes to the squad, with 11 new faces taking the field to help overturn the deficit and spark some optimism among Kenya’s football faithful.
Speaking ahead of the match, South Sudan’s head coach Nicolas Dupuis was confident his side can repeat their first-leg performance.
“We really had a great game. Everything worked as we had planned. We were sure of beating Kenya having done great homework against them. We’re determined to register another win in our return match,” Dupuis said.
For Kenya, the game is more than just a qualifying hurdle; it is a litmus test for Firat’s leadership and vision for the team.
)
14:00 - 02.11.2024
Gor Mahia top official joins calls to sack Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat
There has been growing pressure on Harambee Stars' head coach following recent poor performances, with the prominent Gor Mahia official calling for his dismissal to improve the national team's direction.
Fans have grown frustrated with recent results, including two losses to Cameroon in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, and are keen to see a decisive response from the coach and players.
An aggregate win would advance the team to the final qualification stage against either Djibouti or Rwanda in December.
If successful in the playoffs, Kenya would enter the CHAN tournament with more than just its co-host status — it would show that the team has earned its place on merit.
For a nation that has yet to qualify for the CHAN tournament since its inception in 2009 advancing would be a historic achievement.
The revamped lineup for Sunday’s game includes experienced defenders Abud Omar and Siraj Mohammed as well as promising midfield talents Fidel Origa and Caleb Olilo.
)
13:45 - 02.11.2024
Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam makes bold promise in quest to overturn South Sudan deficit
Tusker FC striker Ryan Ogam has revealed his excitement and determination as he joins Harambee Stars for a crucial South Sudan qualifier.
Forward Francis Kahiro is also expected to inject energy into the attack alongside Kenya Police attacking midfielder Tyson Otieno.
Should Kenya manage to secure the needed result, it would be a morale-boosting step forward for both Firat and the team, providing a chance to appease fans who have become disillusioned with recent performances.
A victory would signal that the new-look Harambee Stars squad has the potential to grow under Firat’s guidance, and, crucially, it would delay mounting calls for his dismissal.
For South Sudan, a draw or a narrow defeat would be enough to see them progress, allowing them to continue their impressive run in the CHAN qualifiers.
)
14:30 - 02.11.2024
Austine Odhiambo reveals what cost Harambee Stars in first Leg CHAN Qualifier loss to South Sudan
The Gor Mahia midfielder has revealed what cost them victory in first leg loss to South Sudan in the 2024 CHAN qualifiers.
The Bright Stars have shown they can compete with more established sides, with their 1-0 friendly win over Kenya in September still fresh in fans' minds.
Dupuis, their head coach, will undoubtedly prepare his side to remain disciplined defensively while seeking to exploit any gaps in the Kenyan backline.
Sunday’s game is set to be a battle of tactics and endurance, with Firat needing to rally his squad to secure a statement victory.
If they can deliver the needed result, it will provide hope to a passionate fan base yearning for a return to continental relevance. However, if Kenya falls short, the calls for change at the helm will grow louder, and the pressure on Firat will only increase.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)