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In their first-ever meeting, Kenya settled for a 2-2 draw against Russia in an international friendly.
Harambee Stars maintained their unbeaten run against European opposition by settling for a 2-2 draw against Russia in a friendly staged at the Titanic Sports Complex.
Here are eight lessons learned for the draw against Russia.
Olunga needs to find form ahead of qualifiers
The two time Qatar Stars League (QSL) Golden Boot winner has cut a frustrating figure in recent matches and is currently enduring a rough patch in front of goal for Harambee Stars.
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21:00 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Russia score late equaliser in four-goal thriller with Kenya's Harambee Stars
Kenya conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 with Russia after coming close to securing a historic win against the European nation
Olunga had two glorious chances in the Russia friendly that were begging to be put in the back of the net but he fluffed his lines on both occasions which could have won the game.
Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the former Gor Mahia forward needs to find his scoring boots for Harambee Stars if we are to habour any dreams of debuting in the intercontinental tourney.
Omala needs to be integrated early
Numerous fans are still struggling to come to terms with the persistent exclusion of Omala in the Harambee Stars set up despite proving time and again that he is a goal machine.
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07:31 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Debunking Engin Firat’s claim of Harambee Stars never playing a European nation
In the build up to the game against Iran, Firat claimed that Kenya has never locked horns with a European nation.
Omala is not the finished article yet but the earlier he is included in the team the better services we will reap from him given that Olunga will be 32 when the World Cup heads to USA, Canada and Mexico.
In the game against Russia, Olunga was a bystander which in a competitive game would have called for another striker but Firat has also had his reservations with Alfred Scriven and Moses Shummah in recent matches.
Akumu's lack of club action baffling
The former Kazier Chiefs midfielder was one of the shining lights for Harambee Stars and capped off his wonderful performance with a goal.
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06:31 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Explaining why Kenya staged friendly against FIFA banned Russia
The two nations will lock horns on Monday evening in what will be their first meeting in football ever.
Akumu has however been starved of club action by Japanese side Sagan Tosu as he is yet to make a league appearance since joining back in January and has been limited to four cup appearances.
At the age of 30 however, Harambee Stars should already start considering an heir to his role with Collins Sichenje looking like a decent fit.
Muguna needs to exert dominance in play
Harambee Stars have struggled to get goals by unlocking low block defenses with most of their strikes coming from set pieces, profiting from defensive errors and hitting on the break.
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09:06 - 16.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan midfielder Eric Johana finds new home after release from Thai side
Kenyan star Eric Johana joins the Romanian side, signing a two-year deal, eyeing success in the challenging Super Liga.
With Kenya struggling to maintain possession in the final third, Muguna has struggled to find the creative spark in the team.
The former Azam FC midfielder also needs to sharpen his set piece delivery with Kenya having a plethora of aerial assault from the likes of Olunga, Omurwa, Odada, Akumu and Okumu.
Need for cutting mistakes at the back
In the last three games that Harambee Stars have conceded a goal, the defensive line is culpable for the mistakes more so against Russia and South Sudan where needless passes resulted in conceding goals.
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21:00 - 15.10.2023
FOOTBALL Antony ‘Teddy’ Akumu’s rallying message to Kenyans with everything set for Harambee Stars’ crucial friendly against Russia
The former Gor Mahia hero has sent a message to Harambee Stars fans with the side set to face Russia on Monday.
In the game against Qatar, Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma’s reckless tackle led to a penalty that was converted but in this particular game, Kenya went on to win the encounter.
The defensive shape for Kenya however is tough to break down if the mistakes are cut out as Firat looks to line up with a 5-4-1 formation when off the ball.
Unbeaten record against European sides continues
Harambee Stars are yet to lose to a European opposition having first played against Switzerland back in 1983 in a Friendly that ended in a barren draw.
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07:06 - 17.10.2023
FOOTBALL Richard Odada dazzles in Harambee Stars player ratings after Russia draw
In an enthralling encounter, Harambee Stars displayed resilience against Russia, with notable individual performances contributing to an exciting 2-2 draw.
The stalemate against Russia preserved their unbeaten record but also meant that Kenya are yet to win against European opposition but were just a minute away from it against the world’s largest country.
Rigorous preps for World Cup qualifiers
Harambee Stars have had the best build up to a qualifier campaign having played two World Cup hosts that was sandwiched between the loss to South Sudan.
Kenya gave a good account of themselves against Qatar and Russia, beating the former and drawing with the latter but suffered a confidence sapping defeat against South Sudan.
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13:07 - 16.10.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga in high spirints ahead of Russia clash
Harambee Stars, led by captain Michael Olunga, face Russia in a vital World Cup prep, seeking confidence before challenging qualifiers.
The question however is whether Harambee Stars can continue their decent performances to the qualifiers where they set their campaign off with a clash away to Gabon.
Gor Mahia springboard of dreams
Over the years, players have used Gor Mahia as a stepping stone to securing moves abroad, cue in Kenneth Muguna, Michael Olunga, Frank Odhiambo, Erick Marcelo Ouma and many others who have crossed over to other African countries.
In the game against Russia, Gor Mahia defender Rooney Onyango was handed his debut and more than impressed in an unfamiliar right wing position, hand Firat something to ponder about.
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07:33 - 17.10.2023
STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu’s value increases by more than double thanks to Ligue 1 switch
Joseph Okumu’s value has skyrocketed following his transfer from Belgian side KAA Gent to French side Reims.
For those familiar with the player since his Wazito days, his performance was nothing new as he has always put up imperious shifts but had to join Gor Mahia to attract eyes.
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