Harambee Stars probable starting 11 against Russia
By Collins Amanga, October 16, 2023
Harambee Stars are set to take the field on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, with a scheduled kickoff at 7:00 p.m. EAT.
The Head Coach, Engin Firat, faces several important decisions regarding player positions. In defence, the absence of Daniel Anyembe, who made an impressive impact in his first two appearances for the country, will be felt.
Harambee Stars coach choices
In central defence, the coach has to make a choice between Johnstone Omurwa and Brian Mandela. Eric Ouma, who has been performing well as a left-back, is expected to retain his position, with Vincent Harper as the alternative.
Among the forwards, the team will miss the services of Elvis Rupia, necessitating the selection of a replacement.
In the goalkeeping department, Byrne Odhiambo is likely to continue as the goalkeeper, having featured in the last four matches for Stars.
The most significant decision will come in the right-back position, where a replacement for Anyembe needs to be chosen.
He is likely to settle for utility player Amos Nondi ahead of Daniel Sakari as Nondi has been impressive going forward and has bagged a goal in the last two appearances having come off the bench twice.
In the central defence, the coach is expected to revert back to an Okumu and Omurwa partnership.
Harambee Stars to retain mid
In the midfield, the coach is expected to maintain the partnership used in the last two matches, involving Richard Odada, Teddy Akumu, and Kenneth Muguna. This means Richard Odada, who has been in good form at the club level, is set to start in midfield.
Upfront, Captain Michael Olunga will continue in his role as a striker, with Masoud Juma expected to support him. The coach has the option to field Harper as a winger, add Alfred Scriven as a striker, or play Clifton Miheso. The likely choice is Clifton Miheso.
Harambee Stars probable 11:
Bryne Odhiambo, Amos Nondi, Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Richard Odada, Clifton Miheso, Teddy Akumu, Michael Olunga, Kenneth Muguna, Masoud Juma