Security concerns mount ahead of Harambee Stars clash with Ivory Coast
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 13.10.25. | 11:10
The unrest has raised fears of possible disruption around match day, though authorities are expected to tighten security for the World Cup qualifier.
Harambee Stars find themselves in the middle of political unrest in the Ivory Coast ahead of Tuesday’s high-stakes World Cup qualifier against the Elephants at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium in Abidjan.
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Kenya arrived in Abidjan on Saturday to prepare for the Group F showdown, but the atmosphere off the pitch has been tense following a wave of anti-government protests ahead of the 25 October presidential election.
Opposition parties have reportedly called for daily demonstrations after their main candidates were barred from contesting, triggering chaos in several parts of the country.
Security forces in Abidjan allegedly used tear gas to disperse crowds during banned marches over the weekend, with Interior Minister Vagondo Diomande confirming at least 237 arrests.
The opposition coalition, known as the Common Front, has vowed to continue demonstrations until the government allows dialogue, despite reports of injuries and detentions.
The unrest has raised fears of possible disruption around match day, though authorities are expected to tighten security for the World Cup qualifier.
On the field, Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy, in an earlier interview, said his side would travel to Abidjan with one goal: to win and end their qualification campaign on a high.
“We know what is at stake. We are going into the lion’s den because for Côte d’Ivoire, a win secures qualification, but we are not here to do favours for anyone. We are going there to win and take three points,” McCarthy said.
He added that the Elephants’ superior reputation counts for nothing once the whistle blows.
“Football is not played on paper; it is played on the pitch. If we lose, it has to be to a team that truly earns it.”
Ivory Coast lead Group F with 23 points, one ahead of Gabon, who host Burundi on the same day.
Kenya sit third on 12 points after three wins, three draws, and three defeats — including victories over Seychelles and Burundi, and a first-leg draw against the Ivorians.
Harambee Stars squad in Abidjan
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire
Defenders: Manzur Suleiman, Vincent Harper, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Ronney Onyango, Abud Omar, Daniel Sakari
Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire, Austine Odhiambo
Wingers: William Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri
Strikers: Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth
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