)
Will Ng’ang’a keep his place at center back? Will Muguna start ahead of Duke Abuya? Will Benson Omala earn his second cap?
Harambee Stars will be facing Seychelles in their second match of the 2026 group F World Cup qualifiers with an eye on making amends for their hiccup against Gabon, where they squandered the lead to lose 2-1 to the Panthers on Thursday night.
Some players impressed while others did not, but ahead of matchday two, we predicted how Engin Firat could line up his troops for a match he considers a must win at all costs.
Will we get to see new players give chances, or will Firat stick to his guns? This is how we see him lining the team up against Seychelles.
)
21:00 - 19.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Why Harambee Stars forward moved between clubs before joining Ronaldo in dollar-inspired Saudi league
The Harambee Stars forward has explained why he became a globe trotter after leaving the Kenya Premier League before finally settling in money-minting Saudi Arabia this year.
Goalkeeper-Patrick Matasi
We expect Patrick Matasi to keep his place in goal against Seychelles after being one of the better players in Gabon’s defeat.
While KCB’s Bryne Omondi is still nursing an injury, Matasi is Engin Firat’s most trusted pair of hands.
Right back-Amos Nondi
Nondi got an assist against Gabon and although he had a shaky display, we expect him to start at right back considering Seychelles will barely be as rampant down the flanks as Gabon.
)
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
Centre back-Johnstone Omurwa
Johnstone Omurwa is the only fully fit first choice defender in Engin Firat’s preferred back five, and we expect him to keep his place despite his missed interception directly leading to a goal last time out.
Centre back- Dennis Ng’ang’a
Dennis Ng’ang’a will be itching to get his first win in a Harambee Stars shirt after suffering defeat on his debut against Gabon. He will be hoping to make a positive impression in order to leave a mark and force his way into Firat’s thinking for future call-ups.
Left back- Abud Omar
We expect Abud Omar to keep his place and use his experience to guide Harambee Stars to a win in the absence of Erick Marcelo Ouma, who remains doubtful with injury.
)
08:33 - 17.11.2023
FOOTBALL Five lessons learned from Harambee Stars’ 2-1 loss to Gabon
Kenya sit at the bottom of Group F following the Gabon loss which offered vital lessons.
Central midfielder- Richard Odada
Richard Odada has been a constant presence in the midfield under Engin Firat’s guidance, and we do not expect that to change against Seychelles given his ability to dictate the tempo of a match.
Central midfielder -Teddy Akumu
Teddy Akumu has been Odada’s partner for a while now, and that is not expected to change against Seychelles.
)
19:30 - 19.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars prospect Djed Spence earns high praise from Leeds United manager upon return from injury
Leeds United manager has praised promising defender's return from injury, emphasizing potential and dedication as the team seeks championship success.
Right winger - Rooney Onyango
Rooney Onyango is expected to start as a right winger after his impressive first two appearances in national team colours, where he has arguably been Kenya’s best player.
Onyango is a threat with his crosses, and one of those crosses nearly found Masud Juma who headed the ball towards goal but was denied by the keeper during the match. We predict him to have a solid game.
Left winger - Masoud Juma
Masoud Juma has scored in each of his last two appearances in a Harambee Stars shirt, and we expect him to keep his place as a left winger, with Engin Firat a big fan of his ability to take men on.
)
11:00 - 14.11.2023
FOOTBALL Why highly rated Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe is absent ahead of World Cup qualifiers
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has discussed Daniel Anyembe's absence in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Striker - Michael Olunga
The captain has come under severe criticism from fans for failing to find the back of the net, but will hope playing against Seychelles will give him a chance to break the deadlock.
We do expect Benson Omala to make his second appearance for the country, but not as a starter.
Attacking midfielder - Duke Abuya
Duke Abuya could get the nod ahead of Kenneth Muguna in the number 10 role with Engin Firat keen to add someone with creativity to the side in efforts to get his first win in charge of the side since the game against Qatar.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)