Former Harambee stars head coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee is optimistic the team will get positive results in their opening 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles respectively.
The veteran tactician believes despite the absence of Reims Centre back Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela of Mamelodi Sundowns, Daniel Anyembe of Viborg FF, and Collins Sichenje of the Swedish side, Kuopion Palloseura, the team is well covered and will perform well.
“Missing the top foreign-based defenders is a big blow but head coach Engin Firat has a big pool of able replacements and thus should not be worried,” said Ghost
Ghost believes Portugal-based Johnstone Omurwa will take the mantle in guarding Firat’s rare guard, and whoever gets the nod to partner him will equally do a good job.
Nkana's Dennis Nganga, Orlando City’s Nabilai Kibunguchy, and KCB’s Haniff Wesonga are the prospects to start alongside Omurwa, having been called up to replace the injured defenders.
Ghost said Omurwa is a ball player and just needs an able partner to guard the Kenyan goal hence the right back position is well covered by Armenia-based Amos Nondi and Gor Mahia’s rising star Rooney Onyango.
Ghost noted that all three centre-backs are debutants and are eager to impress the technical bench which ensures competition in camp for the slot, making it more interesting.
Ghost, however, points out that Stars must have maximum concentration to avoid conceding goals just after kick-off and minutes to the final whistle, to ensure they get at least one point from Franceville.
“I like how Firat prepared for the games with two high-profile friendlies against Qatar and Russia and there’s nothing much to worry about. We can get at least four points from the first two matches despite starting away,”
The return of Eric Johana in midfield and the call-up of Benson Omala upfront means we have more goal-scorers on the pitch which will ease the pressure on Michael Olunga, who has been on the receiving end from fans, following his goal drought.
“Olunga may be down but he will definitely get his mojo back and score crucial goals soon,” added Ghost.
The Panthers who’re missing former Arsenal captain Emerick Aubumeyang will be led by experienced Bruno Ecuele Manga of lower-tier French side Chamois Niortais F.C.
Stars, who arrived in Franceville on Thursday via charter plane, also had their first training session this evening. The match will be played at the 22,000-seater Stade de Franceville at 7 pm local time.
Another Group F fixture will see Ivory Coast welcome Seychelles in Abidjan. Stars next face Seychelles in Abidjan on November 20 in another group F qualifier.
