)
Harambee Stars coach Firat has revealed the tactic he will use to counter the threat of Namibia in South Africa after their opening AFCON 2025q draw against Zimbabwe.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has provided insight into his tactical plans for the upcoming crucial AFCON qualifier against Namibia, which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Firat, whose side played out a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in their opener, revealed his intention to adopt a more defensive setup while relying on counter-attacking opportunities to secure a positive result.
Firat’s approach comes amid injury concerns for key players Alphonce Omija and Erick Ouma. Omija was substituted early in the Zimbabwe match after suffering a knock, while Ouma, one of Kenya’s standout performers on the left flank, was taken off in the final minutes due to an injury.
)
20:00 - 08.09.2024
Engin Firat: Why Harambee Stars coach is here to stay
Kenyans have started calls for Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat to be dismissed over poor performances but there are a number of factors that make his sacking difficult.
Firat explained that both players are doubtful for the Namibia clash, and their availability will depend on the advice of the medical team.
"I always have a long list of injured players. In our first match, Alphonce Omija got injured, and Eric Ouma could not finish the game because of injury," Firat explained in an interview with The Star.
He added, "In the end, we will have to trust other players, but let's see what the medical department says about inviting others. It will be bad if we lose more than half of the team."
Namibia, coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon, will be eager to push forward in search of a win to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive. Firat anticipates that Namibia’s offensive strategy will open up space for Kenya to exploit on the break.
)
09:00 - 08.09.2024
Harambee Stars: The stats that damn coach Engin Firat
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has hit back at Kenyans over their criticism of his tactics and selection but the numbers suggest the fans are right to demand better.
"Namibia will play more offensively after losing to Cameroon, making everything easier for us. We intend to sit back and hit them on the counter," Firat stated, outlining his game plan.
Firat’s team selection and tactics against Zimbabwe faced scrutiny from both fans and local coaches, with particular criticism aimed at his decision to field the team without a recognized striker.
However, Firat stood by his choices, emphasizing the mental toughness required to perform at this level of competition.
"Everyone who featured in the match deserved it. One requires a great deal of mental fortitude to deliver at this level of competition," Firat said in response to the backlash.
)
11:25 - 06.09.2024
Two ways Firat can solve Harambee Stars' striker dilemma without Michael Olunga
Some of the ways Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat can solve his striking dilema against Zimbabwe with Michael Olunga now confirmed unavailable due to fitness problems.
With Omija and Ouma’s fitness in question, Firat may have to adjust his lineup once again. However, the coach’s confidence in the squad's depth remains firm as he looks to guide Kenya to a vital result.
Tuesday’s game will kick off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on KBC Channel One, with Kenya eager to secure their first victory of the qualifying campaign.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)