Harambee Stars midfielder identifies key positives ahead of Senegal friendly

Harambee Stars midfielder Marvin Nabwire thinks the national team's display against Equatorial Guinea had some positives to pick from, despite losing 1-0.

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Nabwire, speaking during the team’s training session on Sunday, voiced a more optimistic tone to the loss in Turkey, veering away from the narrative that had developed shortly after the game.

In the aftermath of the defeat, which was settled by a Jose Miranda penalty in the dying minutes of the first half, concern was raised about Harambee Stars’ blunt attack, which failed to score despite carving numerous opportunities in front of goal.

Team striker Jonah Ayunga, who started alongside Wolfsberger’s Ryan Ogam upfront, said he was frustrated with the result, harboring thoughts that it was down to the forwards and midfielders to take the chances.

Harambee Stars striker frustrated by team's blunt attack in loss to Equatorial Guinea

Almost reading from a different script, Nabwire, who started in midfield at Emirhan Sports Stadium, was effusive about how the team went about its business against an opponent ranked 10 places above Harambee Stars in the FIFA rankings.

“The Equatorial Guinea game was good, everyone played well,” the Kenya Police midfielder said.

Reflecting on the entire performance, he added, “The team had many new players, but we played like we had already gelled. Most moments we were in the opposition half, and the only thing we got wrong was not utilizing our chances.”

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As per Ayunga, Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy had deployed a defensive system that would catch the Nzalang Nacional on the counter, only for things to pan out differently, with Kenya enjoying more possession and being more front-footed.

Commenting on his team’s failure to score during that period, Nabwire said: “It is a mistake I think we all learnt and will rectify.”

The earliest opportunity to do so comes up on a Tuesday, 18 November, friendly against Senegal, also in Turkey.

“It will not be an easy game,” Nabwire said of the meeting with the star-studded Teranga Lions. “Most of their players play outside their country, and they are players we view as our idols. In camp, however, everyone is pumped and ready to face them.”

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