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Kenya’s inability to host Burundi and Ivory Coast on home soil could end up biting even hard as Harambee Stars fans stand the risk of not even watching the matches on TV.
Kenya’s inability to host their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast may prove even more costly as Harambee Stars fans could end up not watching the national team in action.
Harambee Stars will take on Burundi on June 7 and African champions Ivory Coast four days later, with both matches set to be played in Malawi, as the country does not have a an approved stadium and now, it is looking likely that the matches might not be available on TV.
This is because the country is yet to make payment for free-to-air rights despite a deal having been sealed as early as February and unless a late dash is made, Kenyans will not catch the national team in action.
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05:00 - 23.05.2024
“It’s a 50-year problem’ - Firat takes swipe at Kenya for hosting home matches in Malawi
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has hit out at Kenya for neglecting sports infrastructure and having to face the shame of playing home matches in Malawi next month.
Matters are also complicated by the fact the matches, which were initially primed for Nairobi, will be played at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, but there remains hope that the Sports Ministry can make the payment in time to secure the rights.
Harambee Stars have played just one match at home since the country’s nine-month FIFA ban was lifted in November 2022, hosting South Sudan in a friendly match at Kasarani last September.
Kenyans were still, however, able to watch all matches the national team played away through various platforms, hence the optimism that they will not be left in the dark in the upcoming ties which are crucial to Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualification.
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15:39 - 25.05.2024
'We are on the right way' - Firat analyses Harambee Stars' chances of qualifying for maiden World Cup in 2026
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat analyses Kenya's chances in group F, where they sit third after two matches played ahead of monumental Burundi and Ivory Coast assignments.
Harambee Stars are third in Group F with three points from two matches, same as Burundi, with the Ivorians top on six points, a similar tally with Gabon, while the Gambia, who will now under ex-Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry, and Seychelles are yet to record a point.
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