Olunga vs Mellie and 5 other battles expected in Kenya vs Seychelles clash
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Reading Time: 4min | Tue. 09.09.25. | 08:55
To win the match, the Benni McCarthy-coached side must win some key battles as highlighted by Mozzart Sport
The Kenya men's national football team, Harambee Stars, is set to take on Seychelles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match that will be characterised by numerous battles both on and off the pitch.
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The match is scheduled for today, Tuesday, 9 September at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 1600 hrs.
Before a team wins the overall game, they largely need to also come on top of individual duels across the pitch, and today's afternoon clash will be no exception.
Kenya is expected to go on an all-out attack to try and kill the game early enough, unlike when they wasted early chances against The Gambia four days ago and got punished.
Additionally, Kenya is ranked way higher, 109, in the FIFA rankings, 100 places more than Seychelles (209), and therefore Harambee Stars are clear favourites in the match.
However, to win the match, the Benni McCarthy-coached side must win some key battles as highlighted by Mozzart Sport.
Michael Olunga vs Warren Mellie
Harambee Stars will once again rely on captain Michael Olunga as the main man to find the back of the net.
The 31-year-old was among the players who faced criticism after Kenya's loss to The Gambia and will be looking forward to making amends against Seychelles.
On a personal note, Olunga will also be aiming at closing in on the four goals that separate him from being Harambee Stars’ all-time goal scorer.
However, to achieve all that, he will have to get the better of Warren Mellie, who is expected to be at the heart of Seychelles’ defense.
Mellie has been unfortunate to be part of the team that has conceded the most (34) goals, but will be out to shut down Olunga.
Job Ochieng vs Don Fanchette
After impressing for his club Real Sociedad in the Spanish LaLiga 2, Job Ochieng earned a call-up to the national team and made his debut against The Gambia, coming on for Rooney Onyango in the 73rd minute.
The 22-year-old showed glimpses of what he is capable of and might be handed a starting role in today's clash against Seychelles.
Should that happen, he will face off with Don Fanchette, who has been a regular figure on the right side of The Pirates' defense in another key battle.
Ryan Ogam vs Josip Ravignia
On a day when a majority of Kenyan players faced heavy criticism from fans, Ryan Ogam is one of the few who received praise after The Gambia game.
The former Tusker FC striker, who recently signed for Austrian top-tier side Wolfsburger AC, came on in the second half to score Kenya's consolation goal.
Ogam is expected to start alongside Olunga and will face off with Josip Ravagnia, who will be tasked with screening the defense in the pivot role.
Sylvester Owino vs Brandon Labrosse
Gor Mahia star Sylvester Owino is once again expected to occupy the central defense position alongside Collins Sichenje.
The former Kakamega Homeboyz defender, who impressed in the recently concluded CHAN tournament, has been trusted by McCarthy in these qualifiers.
Owino was at fault for Gambia's second goal, but redeemed himself by providing the assist to which Ogam scored. He will be keen to help shut down Brandon Labrosse in the Seychelles attack and contribute to the attacking threat in set pieces.
Labrosse, who last scored for Seychelles over a year ago, will be out to end his international goal drought against Kenya, thus promising a good battle with Owino.
Manzur Okwaro vs Imra Raheriniania
Kenyan youngster Manzur Okwaro is yet another player who impressed in the disappointing loss to The Gambia.
The 19-year-old came on at halftime for Polish-based Timothy Ouma and gave an impressive performance that offered him a great head start to be on the starting 11 against Seychelles.
In his pivot role, Okwaro will be facing off with his Seychelles counterpart Imra Raheriniania in the midfield battle.
Whoever wins this battle will give his team an edge in midfield and most likely in the match.
Benni McCarthy vs Ralph Jean-Louis
The other critical battle will happen in the dugout, where McCarthy will face off with Seychelles head coach Ralph Jean-Louis.
Both tacticians lost the battles in their respective previous matches and will be keen to bounce back today.
The tactician with the best tactical approach in the match will carry the day.
