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Harambee Stars will face the Brave Warriors of Namibia in their 2025 AFCON qualifier in Johannesburg on Tuesday but who are the players likely to give them a hard time?
Harambee Stars will take on the Brave Warriors of Namibia in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier looking to secure their first win of the qualification phase.
Kenya played out a drab goalless draw with Zimbabwe on Friday and are looking for a more positive outcome against Namibia, who are also searching for victory after opening their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
The result is what coach Engin Firat had asked for as he believes the Brave Warriors will play an open game in search of victory which will be to his team’s advantage as they can capitalise on the gaps left behind.
However, as Kenya prepares to face their hosts in South Africa on Tuesday afternoon, there are some players within the Namibia squad whom they will have to be wary of.
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14:00 - 09.09.2024
Harambee Stars coach reveals tactic he will use to counter Namibia following underwhelming draw against Zimbabwe
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.
Edward Maova
Goalkeeper Edward Maova was man of the match against Cameroon despite his side’s defeat as he made a number of key saves in the match.
Maova was busy as early as the fifth minute when he showed his reflexes to keep out Carlos Baleba’s well-taken shot and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
The goalkeeper, who plays for Golden Arrows in South Africa, was also called into action on the hour mark when he saved Bryan Mbeumo’s shot at the near post.
While Vincent Aboubakar later breached him when his defence left him exposed, he stopped the striker from scoring a second following a one-on-one challenge that saw the forward fluff his lines.
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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.
Harambee Stars will therefore need to be at their brilliant best if they have to breach the man mountain in Namibia’s goal.
Deon Hotto
Another player Harambee Stars will have to keep an eye on is left-back cum wingback Deon Hotto.
The Orlando Pirates star can be a thorn in the flesh for his opponents due to his tendency to make forward runs and either create for his team-mates or score.
Hotto is at his best attacking on the left flank and his crossing is one of the best, making him a major weapon in attack for the Brave Warriors.
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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.
Despite being a left-back by trade, his teams use him on the wing on certain occasions to utilise his attacking strengths, and it is where Namibia like to field him.
Hotto nearly equalised for Namibia against Cameroon on Saturday when he received the ball in the box but his shot went wayward.
Harambee Stars might not be as lucky if they do not keep a keen eye on him, given he will be playing at his club’s home ground, the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Moses Shidolo
Midfielder Moses Shidolo is another player within the Brave Warriors ranks that should be a handful for Harambee Stars.
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21:59 - 07.09.2024
Harambee Stars coach gets his wish as Namibia lose to Cameroon ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Kenya
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat had his wish granted as his team’s next opponents Namibia were beaten by Cameroon on Saturday ahead of next week’s meeting with Kenya.
Shidolo is Namibia’s main defensive midfielder who operates just in front of the defence while also dictating the tempo of the game.
The midfielder, who plays for Chula Chula FC, will be key in deciding if it will be a slow or fast paced game in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Shidolo brings a calming presence in midfield, adds defensive solidity while his accurate long balls will have to be watched by Kenyan players during Tuesday’s contest.
Peter Shalulile
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile is the undisputed star of the Namibia side that will take on Firat’s men.
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18:00 - 09.09.2024
'Ghost' Mulee questions one fundamental flaw about Harambee Stars' tactics during stale draw against Zimbabwe
The former Harambee Stars coach has questioned Firat's tactics during the side's 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe last Friday.
Shalulile shook off injury concerns to be involved from the start against Cameroon and he will lead the line again against Kenya.
The striker had two good opportunities against Cameroon but drew out good saves from Andre Onana and Bryne Omondi in Kenya’s goal and his defenders will have to be watchful.
The Sniper, as he is popularly known, has a knack for scoring goals in crucial matches and he also allows them to play a high pressing game, due to his pace and clever runs behind the defence.
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16:04 - 07.09.2024
Engin Firat sweating over fitness of two key Harambee Stars players ahead of Namibia clash
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is looking at the possibility of calling up more players ahead of Tuesday’s match against Namibia after injuries to two key defenders on Friday.
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