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Gor Mahia defender on how facing former African champions will prepare Harambee Stars for 2027 AFCON
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 11.11.25. | 12:15
Kibwage, who is part of the 23-man Harambee Stars squad named for the Turkey camp, stressed the importance of such high-profile friendlies in shaping Kenya’s readiness for the continental showpiece
Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Michael Kibwage is craving to face 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal later this month in Turkey, when the two sides meet in an international friendly
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Kenya has lined up two friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and Senegal, fixtures Kibwage believes are vital in preparing the team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside neighbors; Uganda and Tanzania.
Speaking after Gor Mahia’s 2-0 victory over Kenya Police FC on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium, the towering center-back expressed his excitement at testing himself against some of Africa’s best players.
“I think it is a great, friendly, and a great challenge because we are looking forward to AFCON 2027, which we are hosting here,” Kibwage said.
“We have to compete among the best for us to be the best. It will be a great feeling and a great game, perfect preparation for AFCON.”
Kibwage, who is part of the 23-man Harambee Stars squad named for the Turkey camp, stressed the importance of such high-profile friendlies in shaping Kenya’s readiness for the continental showpiece.
The former Tusker defender also hailed Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor for his influence since taking charge, describing him as “one of the best” managers he has worked under.
Since joining K’Ogalo after his contract with Tusker expired, Kibwage has been instrumental in Gor’s solid defensive record.
He has started all seven league matches alongside Sylvester Owino at center-back and Byrne Omondi in goal.
The trio has helped Gor concede just three goals all season.
“It is a great feeling to win, especially before going into the international break,” Kibwage added.
“The previous match against Ulinzi Stars was frustrating, but today has been fantastic, and we appreciate it.”
He attributes Gor’s defensive chemistry to their time together with the Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 squad, which reached the semifinals on home soil.
“Adapting at Gor was not hard because most of us had already gelled during CHAN,” he said.
“We were together for almost two months, so we already bonded. Life here has been fantastic because I have played with them before.”
With Akonnor’s leadership and key players like Kibwage hitting top form, Gor appear well-placed to defend their crown and chase a record 22nd league title.
“Of course, I want to appreciate Coach Akonnor,” Kibwage concluded.
“He is a great coach, one of the best. He is really put the house in order , and that is why you can see the results.”
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