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Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna feels playing against highly-ranked opponents like Russia will help Kenya greatly before the grueling 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna believes Russia are just the kind of opponent they need before they embark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November.
Kenya are set to face Russia at the Mardan Sports Complex in Turkey on Monday with head coach Engin Firat using the match as a build-up for the qualifiers which will test his side to the limit.
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15:30 - 11.10.2023
FOOTBALL Firat claps back at critics over Harambee Stars selection for Russia friendly
Coach Engin Firat staunchly defends Harambee Stars' selection for Russia friendly amidst criticism, emphasizing players’ potential and urging fan support.
Stars will take on Ivory Coast, Gabon, the Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles with only the top nation from Group F securing an automatic ticket to the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and Muguna feels playing against a highly-ranked nation like Russia will provide them with a good test.
“Everybody is here, we are in high spirits as we prepare for the match ahead,” Muguna told FKF media in Turkey where the team is currently preparing.
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15:00 - 10.10.2023
FOOTBALL Firat explains Daniel Anyembe's exclusion from Harambee Stars squad for Russia friendly
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has revealed why Daniel Anyembe was overlooked from the squad to face Russia.
“We have got good friendlies if you look at the kind of opponents we are up against, it is top level. They are top 100 in the FIFA ranking so it is a good friendly for us and it is preparing us for the upcoming task.
“We will be ready before the qualifiers and that is why we are preparing like this so that we can be ready before the upcoming fixtures.”
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16:02 - 08.10.2023
FOOTBALL ‘Where is Omala?’ - Fans question exclusion of Gor Mahia striker from Harambee Stars squad
A section of Harambee Stars fans have expressed their displeasure at the exclusion of Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala from the team set to face Russia in a friendly match
Kenya had mixed fortunes in their last two friendly matches when they faced Qatar and South Sudan in September, beating the former 2-1, before losing 1-0 to the latter.
However, Russia presents a different challenge as the European nation has a wealth of experience having featured in the World Cup and the European championships.
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18:00 - 11.10.2023
FOOTBALL Exeter City defender Vincent Harper voices expectations in Harambee Stars jersey
Exeter's Vincent Harper expresses high expectations joining Harambee Stars, anticipating successful matches ahead, including the friendly against Russia in Antalya.
This is also the first meeting between the two nations, meaning Kenya will have to be at their best to contain them.
Despite being locked out of international competitions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia are undefeated since November 2021 when they lost 1-0 to Croatia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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08:38 - 12.10.2023
FOOTBALL Gor Mahia star revels in ‘dream’ Harambee Stars call-up ahead of Russia friendly
The defender expresses gratitude for his first Harambee Stars call-up for the Russia friendly, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
They have played five matches since their suspension, winning three while drawing two, showing just how difficult it will be for Firat’s men.
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