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Harambee Stars captain Olunga anticipates testing skills against 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has shared his thoughts ahead of the highly anticipated international friendly against Qatar, scheduled for Thursday, September 7, in Doha.
Olunga, who plies his trade with Qatari champions Al Duhail, arrived at the team's training camp on Monday, joining his teammates in their preparations for the friendly match on Qatari soil.
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21:00 - 04.09.2023
Engin Firat defends his preference of foreign based players in Harambee Stars over local lads
The Harambee Stars coach has defended international player selection, citing rivals' foreign-based squads, rebuffing local player criticism.
The Qatar squad for the friendly boasts an Al Duhail flavor, featuring four teammates of Olunga: the dependable Salah Zakariah guarding the net, defender Youssef Ayman solidifying the backline, midfielder Karim Boudiaf orchestrating the midfield, and sharpshooter Almoez Ali leading the attack.
In an interview, Olunga expressed his excitement about the impending clash against Qatar, a team he's familiar with due to his club commitments.
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07:07 - 05.09.2023
FOOTBALL Firat explains not including AFC Leopards and Tusker players in Harambee Stars squad
The Harambee Stars head coach defended his decision not to include players from AFC Leopards and Tusker in his latest squad.
"It is going to be an interesting game, of course, going to familiar territory with most of the players I have been rubbing shoulders with week in and week out," he remarked.
"The significance of this friendly is highlighted by Qatar's FIFA ranking of 59. They undoubtedly present a formidable challenge, and when aspiring to compete at the highest echelons, facing opponents of this caliber is imperative.
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08:01 - 04.09.2023
FOOTBALL Olunga to face Al Duhail quartet as Harambee Stars takes on Qatar in exhibition match
The former Gor Mahia forward gears up to face four Al Duhail teammates in an upcoming international friendly against Qatar.
"But it is a good friendly to play if you look at Qatar's FIFA rankings, which are 59. It is a quality side, and when you want to compete at the highest level, you need to play such friendlies.
"If you look at Ivory Coast, they are ranked 52, and Gabon is ranked in the eighties, or thereabouts. Then, Qatar, being the Asian champions, gives us an opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best Asian teams," he concluded.
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20:00 - 04.09.2023
FOOTBALL: Onana responds to Cameroon national team call up following suspension drama
The goalkeeper had a public fallout with manager Rigobert Song during 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
As anticipation for the friendly intensifies, this match holds even greater importance due to its role as pivotal preparation for the looming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Harambee Stars find themselves in Group F, a formidable challenge that includes Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Côte d'Ivoire.
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