The coach was quick to heap praise on the quality of some of Kenya's players, such as captain Michael Olunga and keeper Bryne Omondi.
South Sudan head coach Stefano Cusin has praised Harambee Stars despite losing 1-0 to his outfit, describing them as “very strong” and with the capability to “bounce back” in the future.
Kenya were sent crashing back to earth after losing 1-0 to the South Sudanese after they had beaten Qatar convincingly at the Al Janoub Stadium last Thursday.
08:00 - 13.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Eight lessons learned from Harambee Stars' defeat to South Sudan
The loss saw South Sudan register their maiden win over Kenya since attaining independence back in 2011
South Sudan’s Tito Okello capitalised on a mistake by Joseph Okumu in the second minute to score the game’s lone goal. However, Kenya dominated the game for large parts but lacked the cutting edge to equalise and also get the winning goal.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers assistant coach is in awe of the side’s “very strong defense” and youthful vibrance.
20:26 - 12.09.2023
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“Kenya first of all (has) a very strong defense. They are very strong defensively,” Cusin said.
The former Black Leopards from South Africa head coach also praised Michael Olunga, describing him as “an unbelievable player”.
07:00 - 13.09.2023
Harambee Stars player ratings: Muguna fluffs his lines, Olunga squanders chances
Boos roared all over Kasarani at fulltime as fans were devastated by Harambee Stars 1-0 loss to South Sudan. So how did the players perform individually?
“Offensively, you have the captain, the striker who is an unbelievable player. Maybe today we controlled him a lot but normally, he is a super player, with a lot of solutions.
He was also quick to praise Engin Firat, describing him as a “clever” man who wants to achieve something huge with Harambee Stars, and also praised KCB custodian Bryne Omondi, who is fast establishing himself as a mainstay for that number one slot.
18:00 - 13.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Ex-Gor Mahia official delves into Harambee Stars match fixing speculations after South Sudan defeat
A great many fans have raised the alarm after Harambee Stars' unexpected loss to South Sudan.
“Even the coach, I was listening to his press conference. He is a guy who is clever. He wants to do something for the country.
“I am sure that Kenya will come back and will be very strong in the future. Even the keeper (Bryne Omondi) because you have a young team and even the keeper is young and good.”
13:00 - 13.09.2023
Club chairman: 'Harambee Stars is a complete waste of time
Harambee Stars have won just three of their last ten fixtures.
Harambee Stars are set to take part in two more international friendlies, before they launch their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Gabon and Seychelles in November.