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Eddie Chikamhi, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Harambee Stars of Kenya arrived in Uganda yesterday ahead of their clash with the Warriors in a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Mandela National Stadium this Friday.
Although this will be more of a neutral venue, Kenya, who will be the home team, emphasised the need for maximum points in this opening Group J encounter.
Their coach Engin Firat told local journalists before the team’s departure yesterday that they needed to get the qualifying campaign off to a good start before travelling to South Africa to play Namibia in the second group match four days later.
“We are committed to giving a good account of ourselves in this qualifying campaign. We would get confidence and momentum from a victory against Zimbabwe.
“I am not sure how strong we are exactly but I do know that the boys here will fight to the finish. We still have six matches left, so we remain optimistic. What matters are the points we have after all six games, not what we do in the two matches.
“Zimbabwe will present a formidable team and given that they have a new coach as well, we anticipate a fierce challenge from them,” said Firat.
Turkish coach Firat yesterday named his travelling squad after training a few days back home with an enlarged group.
The Kenya Standard reported that leading the team is captain Michael Olunga, whose experience and goal-scoring ability will be crucial for Kenya’s chances.
Olunga was joined by key players that include forward Jonah Ayunga, defenders Eric Ouma and Joseph Okumu, and midfielder Richard Odada.
The travelling squad comprises a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talents across all positions.
“We have a strong team. The players who have been called up have demonstrated their ability in training and I believe they can get the job done,” said Firat.
The Kenyans might have received the news of the injuries in the Zimbabwe camp with glee after England-based Brendan Galloway withdrew at the weekend due to a hamstring injury before Tino Kadwere became the latest injury victim in Nantes FC’s 3-1 win over Montpellier.
Kadewere was one of the four strikers called by new Warriors coach Michael Nees for the two assignments coming up later this week at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. Kadewere had a good game for Nantes at the weekend after providing two assists for his team in the French Ligue 1 game against Montpellier, which took his side into third position.
ZIFA confirmed in a statement that the Nantes forward will not take any part due to the knock. They also confirmed Galloway’s unavailability at the weekend and it appeared the defender was replaced by Manica Diamonds’ Farai Banda who was called up to the squad yesterday. The fullback left for Uganda yesterday along with fellow defender Teenage Hadebe.
The rest of the players called up for camp have arrived in Kampala except for Marshall Munetsi, Munashe Garananga, and Jordan Zemura — who are expected in the Great Lakes Region country this morning.
The trio was involved in league matches with their clubs in Europe on Sunday and were not available when the Warriors held their first training session in Uganda yesterday.
The Warriors have a crucial week ahead as they will also play Cameroon at the same venue four days later.
Online Reporter