Firat reveals why Harambee Stars lost to South Sudan

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat was at pains to explain the 1-0 defeat to the youngst African nation South Sudan at the Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday.

Stars suffered the embarrassing defeat to the Bright Stars who won the game courtesy of Kenya Police forward Tito Okello who in the second minute of the game.

Okello pounched on a poor backapss by the France based Joseph Okumu to slot the ball past Bryne Omondi an incident which Firat weighed in on while giving his post-match thoughts.

Firat regretted that avoidable mistakes and a sluggish start by the host gave South Sudan their first win over Kenya as the team didn't create any meaningful chance in the duel.

"They (players) were so nervous in the first ten minutes I don't if it is because we were playing at home for the first time in two years. Okumu is one of the best defenders we have and he rarely makes such mistakes but this is football it happens," explained Firat.

South Sudan embarrasses Harambee Stars in Nairobi

For Firat, a loss in a friendly match is way better than losing in the World Cup qualifiers set to commence in November.

Before then, the tactician hopes to heal the lack of creativity in the team which he also pointed out for the loss.

"This is a learning process for me ahead of the qualifiers. It is better to lose now than in the qualifiers. We have not been creative enough and it is an area we have to work on," he said.

The Turkish tactician meanwhile, jumped to the defence of skipper Michael Olunga who has been on the receiving end of sharp criticism for missing clear cut chances.

The forward has been trending for the wrong reasons hours after the game but according to Firat, he is one of the best strikers he has ever worked with in his coaching career.

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Firat revealed that the Al Duhail man picked a knock in Kenya's 2-1 win over Qatar last week and despite the pain, he put in a shift against the Bright Stars.

"Michael is one of the est players I have had in my coaching career. I am the last one to be worried of his form. He is so important for us as a player and a leader. Of you remember he got injured in final minutes against Qatar but still managed to play today. That's Michael for you," he defended his recent form while with the national team.