Can Harambee Stars defy odds and beat Russia?

The national team Harambee Stars will be in action this evening against Russia at the Mardam Stadyumu in Antalya, Turkey, from 7 p.m. East African time.

This is the last friendly game that the Stars will be featuring in before they commence the World Cup qualification journey in November.

Kenya is in Group F alongside Gabon, the Seychelles, Ivory Coast, Burundi, and Gambia. Stars start the campaign with an away match against Gabon.

This year, the Stars have featured in two high-profile friendly games.

The team has played Iran and Qatar in matches that coach Engin Firat believes will prepare the team well ahead of the daunting World Cup qualification journey and also help Kenyan players get good clubs oversees.

“My job is to build a formidable team for the upcoming assignments (World Cup qualifiers). Against Iran, we played well. Against Qatar, we got the result we wanted against the Asian champions. These friendlies are not just about results but opening up opportunities for Kenyan football,” coach Firat said.

“I am hopeful that these matches will not only expose our players to better opportunities but also market Kenyan football and, in the long run, generate income for our clubs through transfer fees,” added the coach.

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Stars have been camping in Turkey for nearly a week now in readiness for the duel.

All the players summoned by coach Firat are available for selection, with the only doubt being Ayub Timbe, who is reportedly carrying an injury and will be subjected to a late fitness test.

Daniel Anyembe, whom coach Firat had hoped to have in camp, wasn’t released by his club Viborg, and will this sit out of the friendly duel.

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Two players could earn their debuts today. Vincent Harper of Exeter City and Gor Mahia’s Rooney Onyango were handed their maiden callups by coach Firat, and the pair will be hoping to get some minutes against Russia.

Midfielder Kenneth Muguna says the team is ready for the showdown against the 2018 World Cup hosts.

“This is the third high-profile friendly match we have played this year. We feel ready, and I am hopeful that come next month, we shall be fully ready for the qualifiers,” said midfielder Kenneth Muguna.

Harambee Stars squad in Turkey

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, and Bryne Odhiambo

Defenders

Joseph Stanley Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Erick Ouma, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, and Amos Nondi

Midfielders

Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Ayub Timbe, and Ovella Ochieng

Forwards

Masoud Juma, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, Moses Shummah, and Michael Olunga

Omala focused on scoring goals, unbothered with Harambee Stars snub