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Harambee Stars have received plenty of encouragement ahead of Monday’s clash against Seychelles after the island nation suffered a nine-goal rout in the hands of Ivory Coast
Harambee Stars might have gotten a clue on the kind of task they have on Monday following Ivory Coast’s 9-0 thrashing of Seychelles in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya take on Seychelles in their second qualifier at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Monday in what coach Engin Firat has termed a must-win and they might have been encouraged by what they saw on Friday night.
The Ivorians run out comfortable winners in their Group F opener in a bright start to their bid for a place at the 2026 finals when the World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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08:00 - 18.11.2023
FOOTBALL ‘We will go there to win’ - Firat outlines Harambee Stars’ ambition against Seychelles
Harambee Stars coach Engin is keen on securing maximum points for Kenya in their second 2026 World Cup qualifier away to Seychelles on Monday
Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller started the goal rush after 20 minutes when he converted a penalty before Ibrahim Sangare made it 2-0 four minutes later. Simon Adingra’s goal and a Karim Konate penalty saw the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts take a 4-0 lead to the break.
After the interval, Seko Fofana, a brace from Hamed Traore, Jean-Philippe Krasso’s goal and a last-minute strike from Konate completed the rout which left the Ivorians top of the group with three points, same as Burundi and Gabon, but with a superior goal difference.
The manner in which Seychelles were comprehensively beaten will give Firat and his charges hope of three points given the gulf in quality with the lowly ranked island nation.
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14:33 - 17.11.2023
FOOTBALL 'This is a marathon, not a sprint' - Firat calls for patience with Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat wants Kenyans to give his side time as he views their journey as a long-term project that will bear fruit during the AFCON 2027
Kenya missed a chance to collect at least a point from their opening match when they lost 2-1 to Gabon on Thursday after a second half collapse that allowed the hosts a route back into the game in Franceville.
Masoud Juma gave Harambee Stars a 40th minute lead before captain Michael Olunga wasted a glorious opportunity to extend their advantage and they would later rue the missed opportunity as Gabon upped their game after the break to score twice and claim all three points.
Seychelles [195] are ranked 85 places below Kenya [110] and have never beaten Harambee Stars in their five meetings. Kenya have won four while one match ended in a barren draw.
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