When Kenya played in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, only Harun Shakava and Michael Olunga featured in the last match against Cape Verde, losing 2-0, and are with the team for the same task ahead of the 2022 World Cup Qualifier against Uganda Cranes.With that, the team that is set to play against Uganda will comprise mostly new faces from since then.But, how will Harambee Stars probably line up for this fixture?NCHI MBELEUganda Cranes will this afternoon see what they have never seen before.Harambee Stars vs Uganda CranesTime:4PMTV: KBC Channel One.#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/3OvF8hXax2— Ole Teya (@Kevin_teya) September 2, 2021 GoalkeeperZambia-based Ian Otieno is the favorite to start between the sticks with the FKFPL golden glove winner James Saruni deputizing him on the bench.DefendersOtieno is set to be shielded by a back four that could comprise right back and throw-in sensation Daniel Sakari, Joseph Okumu, Eugene Asike, and Eric Marcelo Ouma.Sakari had a stellar start to his FKFPL campaign before being sidelined in a couple of matches but returned to finish the league strong while Asike’s exploits and leadership that helped Tusker clinch their 12th title could see him get the nod ahead of Harun Shakava.Back kicking it with the big boys 🇰🇪#harambeestars pic.twitter.com/KFZ97DD0Qw— Eugene Asike (@eugeneasike) August 31, 2021 Young Okumu has been making his presence felt at his new club KAA Gent in a positive way while Ouma has been flying high on the left-back position for AIK in the 15 games that he has featured in their current campaign.MidfieldersThe midfield selection will most probably have a very big impact in this game.##NAJAVA_MECA_5791298##In the absence of Victor Wanyama to slot in and assume the number six role, new kid Richard Odada could get his baptism of fire in his first-ever senior team call-up.The diminutive midfielder is the most probable player to slot in that position, with the other option being Duncan Otieno. Odada’s wide range of passing, dribbling, as well as the ability to tackle and thwart opponent’s plays when necessary, could see him start in that position.Odada ready for Harambee Stars debutFresh from moving to Azam from Gor Mahia, Kenneth Muguna will most likely partner Lawrence Juma to complete the midfield triangle with Odada, and will offer creative options to the attackers as well as an attacking threat as well.Juma’s versatility will help him swing the midfield triangle in either way, either up top with Muguna or sit deep with Odada depending on the game situation.Match Day , National team duty. Wishing @Harambee__Stars the very best as they take on @UgandaCranes today. @betikaKe @OyandoRonny #BatotoBaMungu pic.twitter.com/1nWQ2yj0Ay— Sofapaka FC (@FC_Sofapaka) September 2, 2021 Muguna’s long-range ability will come in handy while Juma’s ability to cover every blade of grass will be essential in this game.ForwardsJonkopings Sondra IF’s Eric Johanna and Bandari’s Abdallah Hassan who scored in the 1-all draw against Egypt in March could each take a flank while Al-Duhail’s Michael Olunga will most definitely take the center forward role to complete the attack line and captain the team as well.Starboy 🔥.Alimfunga Mmisri na Mtogo. Kesho anamkabili Mganda.Kila hatua dua 🤲🏾.@Harambee__Stars pic.twitter.com/9LKKNeg5j1— Bandari Football Club (@BandariOfficial) September 1, 2021 A different and more defensive approach to the attacking option would involve some changes to the backline as well, bringing in Bolton Omwenga and pushing Eric Ouma to assume the left-wing.Harambee Stars Probable XI (4-3-3): Ian Otieno (GK), Daniel Sakari, Joseph Okumu, Eugene Asike, Eric Ouma; Richard Odada, Lawrence Juma; Kenneth Muguna; Eric Johanna, Abdalla Hassan; Michael Olunga.Uganda CranesUganda Cranes are also on a rebuilding path after the return of the Serbian Wolf, coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic. Highly-rated wing-back Isaac Muleme is back as well controversial midfielder Khalid Aucho who recently joined Tanzanian giants Yanga SC. Uganda Cranes Probable XI: Isima Watenga (GK), Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Halid Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa, Yunus Ssentamu, Emmanuel Okwi (Captain) and Isaac Muleme. The match starts at 4 PM EAT and will be live on KBC Channel One.
