Sakari? Nondi? Juma? Olunga? Predicting Harambee Stars’ starting line-up for the Russia test on Monday evening.
Harambee Stars will be facing Russia in a historic encounter to be staged at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on Monday 16 October starting at 7 PM (EAT).
This will be Kenya’s final test match ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which kick off in November this year, as the side will face Gabon and then Seychelles away.
Head coach Engin Firat is continuing to come up with his best squad for when the competitive fixtures commence and had previously expressed a preference for a settled squad that has gelled as a unit.
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With that in mind, we do not expect many changes to the lineup that played against Qatar and South Sudan, except for a few positions here and there.
Goalkeeper: Bryne Omondi
Bryne Omondi has established himself as the nation’s first-choice keeper after four outings, with his assured displays in goal injecting confidence into his defence. We expect the KCB custodian to keep his place in goal at the expense of Brian Bwire and veteran Patrick Matasi.
Right back: Daniel Sakari
In the absence of Daniel Anyembe, we think Tusker right-back Daniel Sakari will start in the position as he attempts to win Engin Firat’s heart. Sakari’s long flat bullet throw could also count in his favor considering that creating goals from set pieces against Russia could be a bonus for Harambee Stars
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Center back: Johnstone Omurwa
Johnstone Omurwa showed he came of age with his arguable Man of the Match display against Qatar, when his dominance on and off the ball allowed Harambee Stars to play aggressively. He was missed against South Sudan and will be expected to return to the lineup at Brian Mandela’s expense.
Center back: Joseph Okumu
The Stade Reims defender keeps getting better every day and is surely destined for the stars in his career. We expect him to keep his place alongside Omurwa for the Russia outing.
Left back: Eric Ouma
Eric Ouma will be expected to start ahead of newby Vincent Harper for the left back position. His pace helps him make good recovery runs and he also offers width with his tendency to run with the ball down the left flank well.
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Central midfielder: Teddy Akumu
Although he has been getting limited game time for his club Sagan Tosu, Engin Firat has trusted Teddy Akumu to be Richard Odada’s midfield partner, and we expect him to keep his place for the Russia outing.
Central midfielder: Richard Odada
Richard Odada is quickly proving why Harambee Stars do not miss Victor Wanyama anymore. He has been controlling the tempo of Stars’ games since his debut in 2021 and is becoming a national darling because of his qualities on and off the ball.
Attacking midfielder:Kenneth Muguna
Kenneth Muguna started in the number 10 role in the last two assignments and even gave an assist for the opening goal against Qatar. Tasked to be the side’s chief creator, the Kenya Police FC man is expected to start in that position.
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Left winger: Masud Juma
Masud Juma could start on the left wing as Engin Firat adores his ability to make one versus one situations from both flanks. We expect him to start on the left flank.
Right winger: Amos Nondi
Ayub Timbe is a doubt for the clash after he picked up an ankle injury in training. Ovella Ochieng has been training with the side but lacks match sharpness since being released by Richards Bay after his contract with the South African club ended. We doubt Alfred Scrivren will start on the flank.
We think Amos Nondi could be selected to start on the flank so he can interchange with Sakari and Odada as we saw in the win over Pakistan back in June.
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Center forward: Michael Olunga
The national team captain will be expected to keep his place upfront.
How do you think this team could fare against Russia? Let us know on the comment sections of our website and on our social media platforms.
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