Harambee Stars' probable starting XI against Qatar

Harambee Stars will this evening take on Qatar in an international friendly match at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, Qatar.

This will be the first meeting between the two nations at any stage. The Stars are using the friendly game to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers that start in November.

Stars coach Engin Firat traveled with a squad of 24 players, consisting mostly of foreign-based players, and we take a look at the first XI that the tactician is likely to field against the 2022 World Cup hosts.

Goalkeeper

Patrick Matasi: His last national team assignment was against Iran, and it turned out to be a disastrous outing as he was arguably at fault for both goals conceded. He, however, remains the most experienced keeper in camp and is likely to start.

Defence

Amos Nondi: He is primarily a midfielder, but coach Firat has been utilizing him as a right-back. He is likely to continue in that position against Qatar.

Erick Ouma: Ouma is Kenya’s first-choice left-back, and the Sweden-based speedster is an assured starter on the national team.

Joseph Okumu: After missing the tournament in Mauritius in March, the France-based central defender is back, and he is certain to start against Qatar.

Brian Mandela: He is the most capped player currently in the squad. He has played for the national team for over a decade and looks certain to partner Okumu at the heart of Kenya’s rearguard. He faces competition from Daniel Anyembe, Collins Sichenje, and Johnstone Omurwa, but is likely to get the node.

Midfield

Richard Odada: He replaced Victor Wanyama on the national team and has been a starter ever since. He will certainly be one of the midfielders against Qatar.

Teddy Akumu: He has seen limited playtime in Japan, but for the national team, he is likely to start on Thursday. He will form a double pivot with Odada.

Duke Abuya: He is arguably Kenya’s most creative player at the moment and looks assured to start against Qatar. His industry is also something of a marvel.

Attack

Ayub Timbe: He has returned to the national fold after two years and could start on the right wing on Thursday evening.

Clarke Oduor: He has started well at Bradford City, and the utility man could be fielded on the left flank in Qatar this evening.

Michael Olunga: He is the national team captain and first-choice striker. He will certainly lead the line.

Kenya's squad in Qatar

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Byrne Odhiambo (KCB), and Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC)

Defenders

Collins Sichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), and Abud Omar (Kenya Police).

Midfielders

Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway), and Clarke Oduor (Bradford City AFC, England).

Forwards

Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), and Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia)

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