- Stars are placed in Group 'F' against Seychelles, Burundi, The Gambia, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire in the African qualifiers.
- “Playing against a big footballing country with a big history they were before the Olympic champions, the European champions it was very tough but the boys played very well,”
Image: CHARLENE MALWA
Harambee Stars may have gotten a much-needed boost heading into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after a master-class performance against 2018 World Cup hosts Russia following a 2-2 draw in a friendly match on Monday night.
The test match was played in the Mardan Sports Complex stadium in Antalya, Turkey.
Stars' Turkish gaffer Engin Firat praised his players for the superb display while scoffing at critics who, in his words, expected the team to lose by five or six goals.
“Playing against a big footballing country with a big history they were before the Olympic champions, the European champions it was very tough but the boys played very well,” he said.
The stalemate against Russia meant that this was the Stars' second-ever match against European opposition. Kenya, however, has yet to win against European teams after playing to a barren draw against Switzerland in 1983, also in a friendly match.
Stars have played a handful of intense friendly matches as part of the team's preparations for the World Cup qualifiers expected to start in November.
A 2-1 hard-fought win against Qatar last month was followed with a surprise 1-0 loss against minnows South Sudan at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.
Stars are placed in Group 'F' against Seychelles, Burundi, The Gambia, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire. They kick off their campaign against Gabon away at the Stade de Franceville on November 13.
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba congratulated the national team on their heroics against Russia further urging them to set their focus on the coming match against Gabon.
"We have prepared well. Now eyes are on Gabon for the real thing as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers action kicks off on November 13. C'mon," the statement from his social handle read.
Côte d’Ivoire is the highest-ranked nation in the group at position 50 followed by Gabon which is 80th and then Kenya 109.
The Gambia sits at 118 while Burundi is placed in position 141 and Seychelles at position 195.
Kenya has played against Gabon four times winning twice, losing and drawing one match apiece.
They came up against Côte d’Ivoire just once in a friendly match played in 1991 where they lost 4-0.
Stars have played Burundi 11 times winning four, losing four and drawing in three matches.
Kenya has beaten Seychelles five times in six matches, mastering one draw.
Kenya must utilize the home advantage to win all their matches in Nairobi even as they endeavor to get better results on their travels.
The winner of each group automatically qualifies for the global showpiece to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA.
The four best runners-up from the nine groups will advance to the Caf play-off tournament, whose winner shall secure a spot at the coveted tournament.
Despite the remarked improvement in the Stars' performance, defensive susceptibility and individual mistakes must be dealt with if the team intends to progress further.
Two-time Qatar Stars League (QSL) Golden Boot winner and Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has cut a frustrating figure in recent matches and is currently enduring a rough patch in front of goal.
He was guilty of open chances against Russia.
There's more to come from Stars midfield if their performance against Russia is any barometer.
With just under three weeks before the qualifiers, the team will need to tighten up their defense and bring in more talent to ensure qualification.