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The heroic former Gor Mahia coach has explained how Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat can maximize Michael Olunga's talent for the remaining games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Former Gor Mahia head coach Dylan Kerr has weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding Engin Firat's Harambee Stars tactical decisions, particularly the choice to field lead striker and captain Michael Olunga as a lone forward without adequate support.
This strategy, according to Kerr, has hindered the Harambee Stars' performance in their recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya's national team recently returned from Malawi with two points, following a 1-1 draw against Burundi on June 7 and a 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast three days later.
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07:00 - 15.06.2024
Why Firat sees light at the end of the tunnel for Harambee Stars in World Cup qualifiers
Harambee Stars went through a myriad of problems both on and off the pitch in Malawi, but avoided defeat against both Burundi and reigning AFCON holders Ivory Coast.
These results have dropped Kenya to fourth place in their six-team group, with five points, damaging their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Burundi's 3-1 victory against Seychelles pushed them to third place with seven points. Ivory Coast leads the group with 10 points, followed by Gabon with nine points.
The disappointing results have led some Kenyan fans to abandon hope of seeing their team at the global tournament for the first time, while others have suggested focusing on other assignments.
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Firat had a 25-player squad in Malawi, including John Avire from Egyptian side Misr el Makasa and Benson Omalla from Gor Mahia.
Despite these options, Firat opted to let Al Duhail SC forward Michael Olunga lead the line on his own, which resulted in Olunga failing to score in both matches.
Timothy Ouma, a midfielder, was played as a second striker against Burundi but struggled with decision-making and missed a crucial opportunity before being substituted in the 79th minute against Ivory Coast.
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19:00 - 14.06.2024
Ex-Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr opines why Harambee Stars still stand a good chance of qualifying for 2026 World Cup
Kenya gained two points from their World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast, but former Gor Mahia coach Dylan Kerr is optimistic they can still qualify.
Olunga, who has two goals in the qualifiers from the 5-0 victory over Seychelles, found himself isolated without proper support. Kerr believes Firat should have utilized a two-striker formation, especially considering Omalla’s successful season with Gor Mahia.
“Michael (Olunga) will always be the favorite to start for me. Teams are more careful when playing the so-called bigger teams, but Engin (Firat) should have gone with two strikers, especially as one (Omalla) has had a good season for his club. But you have to understand what the coach is thinking,” explained Kerr to SportsBoom.
Despite his criticism, Kerr acknowledged Firat's overall progress with the team and expressed optimism about Kenya's future.
He believes that with consistent results, Kenya has the potential to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
“The results have been better for Harambee Stars, and it’s good that new players are being involved.
“The coach has to get this right. 2026 is an amazing tournament on a vast continent where the game is growing, so if he can get some consistency in the results, who knows where they can go,” Kerr concluded.
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10:58 - 15.06.2024
Michael Olunga reveals his toughest chapter since moving to Europe eight years ago
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Kenya’s next World Cup qualifying match is against The Gambia away on March 17, 2025, followed by a home fixture against Gabon on March 24. Kenya previously lost to Gabon 2-1 in their opening match.
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