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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat cannot afford to get it wrong as Kenya take on Seychelles in their second 2026 World Cup qualifier in Abidjan
Harambee Stars have their work cut out as they take on Seychelles in their second 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on Monday.
Team form
Engin Firat’s men suffered a 2-1 defeat to Gabon in their opening match on Thursday when they scored first but failed to hold onto their lead, allowing the Panthers to dominate the second half and score two goals to secure maximum points.
They therefore head into Monday’s match facing a must-win situation if they have to stay in touch with the rest of their Group F opponents since Cote d’Ivoire, Burundi and Gabon already have three points from their wins on matchday one.
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12:00 - 19.11.2023
FOOTBALL Seychelles bold blueprint surfaces ahead of Harambee Stars showdown
Seychelles has issued a statement ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Kenya
It is the meeting of the group minnows as Seychelles suffered the heaviest defeat so far in the qualifiers when they were thrashed 9-0 by the Ivorians on Friday, a win that might have given Firat and his charges some encouragement.
Firat’s poor record
Firat claimed they had been ‘unlucky’ in Franceville while calling for fans to give them time as they are still ‘young and learning’ but Kenyans will lose all patience with him if his team cannot secure maximum points against the island nation.
The tactician has managed 10 games in his two stints with Kenya, securing just two wins, as many draws with six ending in defeat.
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13:33 - 18.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Bad news for Michael Olunga? Scottish-based Kenyan striker nearing return after long-term injury
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat could soon have some competition for captain Michael Olunga as the St Mirren striker is close to making first-team return after ACL injury
With Kenya ranked position 110 which is 85 places above their opponents, there will be no excuses if they cannot secure victory.
Head-to-head record
Harambee Stars are undefeated in five meetings against Seychelles, having won four while one match ended in a draw.
The two teams last met in March 2015 when Kenya won 2-0 in an international friendly. They also faced off twice in November 2011 when Kenya won 3-0 away before claiming a 4-0 victory at home in a World Cup qualifier.
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11:32 - 18.11.2023
FOOTBALL Ivory Coast’s 9-0 thrashing of Seychelles gives Kenya hope for maximum points in Monday's encounter
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
Those results were preceded by a 2-1 victory for Kenya in a CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in November 1992 followed by a goalless draw and 1-0 win for Harambee Stars in friendly matches in June 1998.
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