How Harambee Stars will line up against Ivory Coast
By Collins Amanga, June 11, 2024
Youngster Alfred Omija, who currently plays in the Omani Professional League, has been handed a starting position in the Harambee Stars squad set to tackle Ivory Coast in the World Cup qualifier match on Tuesday, June 11, at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m. and will see Patrick Matasi retain his place in goal, with Johnstone Omurwa and Daniel Anyembe set to be the center-backs.
Harambee Stars fullback
Aboud Omar and Omija have been tasked with the fullback duties. The midfield will feature Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, and Kenneth Muguna.
Rooney Onyango, Timothy Ouma, and skipper Michael Olunga have been assigned the attacking roles. The bench includes David Ochieng and Clyde Senaji, who joined the camp recently, along with Tobias Knost.
The World Cup Qualifiers match between Harambee Stars and Ivory Coast will feature four Moroccan nationals as part of the officiating team. Jayed Jalal will serve as the Centre Referee, with Azgaou Lahsen as the First Assistant and Jermoumi Fatiha as the Second Assistant.
Kech Chaf Mustapha will act as the Fourth Official. The Referee Assessor will be Gaye Fatou from Egypt, and Hassan Amir Abdi will be the Match Commissioner.
The Harambee Stars have made several additions to their squad ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier match against Ivory Coast. Following their draw against Burundi, the technical bench has summoned Kenya Police defender David “Cheche” Ochieng, who is expected to join the camp for the final training session.
Harambee Stars in Malawi
Despite being the home team, Harambee Stars are hosting their games at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
This arrangement is due to the unavailability of Kenya’s Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani Stadium, the only venues provisionally approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches.
Both stadiums are currently undergoing renovations in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
The Harambee Stars are determined to bounce back and secure a positive result against Ivory Coast.
Starting XI:
- Patrick Matasi
- Johnstone Omurwa
- Daniel Anyembe
- Aboud Omar
- Alphonse Omija
- Timothy Ouma
- Anthony Akumu
- Ronney Onyango
- Richard Odada
- Kenneth Muguna
- Michael Olunga (C)
Substitutes:
Bryne Odhiambo, Ian Otieno, David Ochieng, Clyde Senaji, John Avire, Tobias Knost, Chrispine Erambo, John Ochieng, Duke Abuya, Austine Odhiambo, Benson Omalla, Clifton Miheso