- Russia is currently ranked at 39th in the Fifa world ranking of men’s football whereas Kenya dropped four positions to 109.
- Stars will be hoping to clinch a much needed win against a formidable opponent in an attempt to gear up for the world cup qualifiers that are set to start from November 13.
Image: FILE
Harambee Stars' head coach Engin Firat is expected to announce the provisional squad to face 2018 World Cup hosts Russia in an international friendly match scheduled for October 16 in Antalya, Turkey.
Russia is currently ranked 39th in the Fifa world ranking of men’s football whereas Kenya dropped four positions to 109.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the match as part of the team's preparations for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya is placed in Group ‘F’ alongside Gabon, The Gambia, Burundi, Seychelles and Côte d'Ivoire.
The match comes at a time when Kenya was confirmed as one of the host countries for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya's joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania, titled the Pamoja bid, emerged successful, beating the likes of Senegal and Egypt to the prestigious continental hosting rights.
Harambee Stars have so far played three international friendlies this year winning just one.
The first match saw them come up against Iran, where they lost 2-1. They later squared it up against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, where they won 2-1 before falling to a 1-0 loss against neighbouring South Sudan.
The friendly match against Russia comes at a time when Russia faces a ban by both Uefa and Fifa.
In February 2022, Fifa and Uefa banned all Russian clubs and national teams “until further notice” as a result of its war against Ukraine. Many European teams including England, Poland, and Sweden had already refused to play against Russia forcing Fifa’s hand.
Despite this ban, Russia have engaged in several friendly matches against various opponents including Iraq, Iran, and Qatar.
Russia have also won just one game (2-0) against Iraq and drawn 1-1 against both Iran and Qatar.
Kenya also suffered a suspension by the world football governing body in February 2022, owing to claims of government interference in the running of the game.
Kenya's sports ministry disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over alleged misappropriation of funds and appointed a caretaker committee in November.
Fifa, however, lifted the ban in November 2022, giving the country permission to participate in international footballing events.
Stars will be hoping to clinch a much-needed win against a formidable opponent in an attempt to gear up for the World Cup qualifiers that are set to start on November 13.