STARS ABROAD: Kenyan defenders feature as European clubs step up pre-season

Two Harambee Stars players were in action on Saturday, 11 July in Europe as teams continue to prepare for the new season.

Harambee Stars defender Erick 'Marcelo' Ouma featured as his Polish side, Rakow Czestochowa, lost 3-2 loss to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in a friendly match played on Saturday at noon.

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PSV took the lead inside four minutes through Sildilia Killian, before Rakow scored twice through Adin Molnar and Patryk Makuch in the 31st and 42nd minutes, respectively.

Driouech Coyhaib’s 45th minute strike ensured the two sides headEd o the break with scores level.

PSV made 11 changes at the break while Rakow made four changes, including the introduction of Ouma for Michael Ameyaw.

The second half teams seemed to match each other until the 101st minute when Gino Velhurst gave PSV the lead, that they managed to protect until the final whistle.

The hour-long appearance for the former Gor Mahia star came just three days after he captained Rakow to 3-4 loss to Belgium outfit, Waregem, and a start in their 2-0 win over Puszcza on Saturday 4 July.

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Ouma is in the process of regaining his match fitness after a long spell on the sidelines nursing an Achilles tendon Injury.

His return to action came as a relief to Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and the Kenyan faithful as the team continues with preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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Elsewhere, another Harambee Stars left back, Vincent Harper, was a half time substitute as his English side,Walsall, battled to a barren draw against National League North side Leamington in what was their first pre-season match.