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Pulse Sports highlights six Harambee Stars players who have a point to prove at the Four Nations tournament in Malawi.
Harambee Stars will be taking part in their first international matches of 2024 when at the ongoing Malawi Four Nations tournament, which will serve as preparations for the June World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Head coach Engin Firat named a 25-man-traveling party to Malawi, where they are playing alongside their U20 counterparts, who started well as they beat Zimbabwe 3-1 on Friday, with the tournament taking place at Lilongwe’s Silver Stadium.
Ahead of their two games, six players have a big point to prove from the squad. Pulse Sports delves into the six that will be using the tournament to show what they are capable of.
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John Avire
John Avire has not played for Harambee Stars since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he took part in two of the side’s three group stage games.
Ever since, he had not received a national team call-up, as he spent a tumultuous two years in Egypt trying to settle, but seems to have finally called the North African country his home now.
Known for his exquisite ability to come short before anchoring play with his power, Avire can play as a central striker and also as a secondary striker, as well as as a winger.
Firat hinted during his press conference before the side jetted out that he planned on using the games to give him a test as a winger, considering it is a position that has been problematic for the side in recent times, and he will be hoping he can cement his status in the side with a good showing.
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13:14 - 22.03.2024
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Jonah Ayunga
The St Mirren striker is in line for his debut for Kenya having declared his interest to play for the country some eight years ago.
He is a classic center forward who is very good at sniffing for chances to score, and is good when given the ball to feet.
He will be hoping to use the tournament to show he is capable of giving Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga a run for his money, or even play alongside and compliment him in different game states, especially in the absence of Masoud Juma.
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Collins Shichenje
The former AFC Leopards defender has not played for Harambee Stars since the Mauritius Four Nations tournament last June, where he partnered David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng at center back.
Set to get a run of games for his side AIK in the top flight of Swedish football this season, Shichenje will be hoping to earn game time, especially with Joseph Okumu and Johnstone Omurwa both part of the team, but doubts for the match, as they complete the final stages of their return from injury.
Geoffrey 'Simiti' Ochieng
Arguably the player with the biggest point to prove. Ochieng is in line for his national team debut following the absence of Aboud Omar and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.
Vincent Mahiga is the other player in the squad who can play as left-back, but lacks the Gor Mahia captain’s experience. Known more for his defensive capabilities rather than his attacking prowess, Ochieng's skills can give the side something different, or at least, more solidity.
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Ayub Timbe
Ayub Timbe has struggled with injuries recently, something that has hindered him from starting games for Harambee Stars.
However, he has gotten sustained gametime since his move to Azerbaijan’s Sabail FC. He has played eight games, four of which have been starts.
He will be hoping to help make a difference to the side if he starts on the left side by giving balance and creating one-on-one situations, especially if Ochieng’, a conservative full-back, starts.
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07:57 - 23.03.2024
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Kenneth Muguna
Another player who will be seeking to make a statement during the tournament. The 28-year-old midfielder is expected to inject creativity to the side, but has struggled to convince in recent outings, and was dropped for Eric Johana during their 5-0 win over Seychelles.
However, he has a chance to redeem himself in that role in Johana’s absence, although Firat had stated he could shift to a different formation from his preferred 4-2-3-1 to a system with a three-man midfield, and has namechecked Chrispine Erambo a lot, who could also get his chance to debut for the side.
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07:56 - 23.03.2024
FOOTBALL Malawi vs Kenya: Preview, team news & where to watch as Harambee Stars begin Four Nations campaign
Harambee Stars will begin their Four Nations tournament with a clash against hosts Malawi on Saturday evening and here is all you need to know about the match.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news updates and analysis
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