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South Sudan have announced a September friendly match that will pit them against Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

Although the planned match was confirmed by South Sudan’s Football Association, the Football Kenya Federation has yet to make an announcement on the same.

The friendly is set to be staged in Nairobi on September 12, with both Bright Stars and Harambee Stars looking ahead to their World Cup campaigns. 

Opportunity for Firat

This will be yet another opportunity for Kenya’s coach, Engin Firat, to test his players after their last participation in the Four-Nations campaign in June.

Playing South Sudan is seen as a diversion from the norm that Firat has taken and emphasized. The Turkish coach has insisted on numerous occasions that Harambee Stars need to play high-profile games in order to make them a competitive side.

Before taking part in the Four-Nations Tournament in Mauritius, Kenya had visited Tehran to play the Iranian national team, which was part of the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

However, the match against South Sudan will give Firat some more chances to test the readiness of his players ahead of the crucial qualifiers that also include the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification.

Kenya have been pitted against Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Gabon, Burundi, and Seychelles in Group F and will have to outwit the opponents if they have to realise their dream of making their maiden appearance at the World Cup in 2026.

The winner of each group will directly qualify for the World Cup, which will be jointly co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while the four best group runners-up will participate in play-offs to determine which team will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs. 

Meanwhile, before playing Kenya at a venue yet to be confirmed, South Sudan will face Mali on September 8.

South Sudan’s squad for Kenya friendly

Majak Mawith Dandenong Thunder (Australia), Ramadan John (GK), Malakia (South Sudan), Khamis Danie, Atlabara (South Sudan), Anyama Joseph Luka (GK)- Arua Hill SC (Uganda), Lazarus Peter- Future Stars Academy (South Sudan), Wani Ivan AAdebo-Bull FC (Uganda), Peter Maker Manyang-Radnicki Srem (Serbia).

Rashid Toha, Kenya Police (Kenya), Samuel Taban, Kator FC (South Sudan), John Kuol, Kariobangi Sharks (Kenya), Dhata Joseph, Express (Uruguay), Manyumow Achol, FK Auda (Latvia), William Akio, Cavalry FC (Canada), Dwang Jackson, Bandari FC (Kenya), Loki Emanuel Peter, Bright Stars (Uganda), and Many Aguek, Balzan FC (Malta).

Valentino Yuel, Aluminum (Iran), Ayom Majok, Brisbane Roar FC ( Australia), Chol Peter, Al Naser FC (Sudan), Joseph Malesh, Al Mereikh (Sudan), Nevello Yoseke, Monterey Bay FC (USA), Atendeke Gerica, Arua Hill (Uganda), Ajak Riak, Bentleigh (Australia), Omot Sebit, Al Merreikh Juba (South Sudan), Ochaya Okot Oywak, Simba FC (South Sudan),

Mario Taban, Future Stars Academy (South Sudan), Paul America, Rainbow FC (Kenya), Rwothomio Innocent, Bul (Uganda), Ngong Madur, KCCA (Uganda), Wani Shadrack Elisana, Malakia FC ( South Sudan), Innocent Ronald, Lucera Calcio (Italy), Ismael Remo Sampuli Mansuk, Ray of Grace (Uganda), Philip Awad, Future Stars Academy (South Sudan)