Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has come out to explain his decision to take off goalkeeper Ian Otieno for Farouk Shikhalo in the 5-0 drubbing to Mali.Shikhalo was introduced at the start of the second half, a substitute that not many fathomed but the Turkish tactician says that it was necessitated by an injury concern on the Zesco United custodian.”After the first half I could have changed six or even eight players, I will be very direct about it. For Ian (Otieno) it was like he had some pain when he played the ball. Therefore it was normal that we do not risk him, that’s why in the second half we put him out and started with Farouk (Shikhalo),” Firat explained.We are back for the second half. Farouk Shikhalo replaces Ian Otieno between the sticks #WCQ2022 #WCQualifiers— Jeff Kinyanjui (@Nyash88) October 7, 2021 The former Red Arrows shot-stopper has played in all 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifying matches, featuring against Uganda in the opener where he managed a clean sheet before conceding one against Rwanda in the second game.The match against Mali was a shocker for him as he conceded four in 45 minutes though most of the blame will go to the defensive lapses in the Harambee Stars backline.Huko Kenya bila Shikhalo kuingia wangepigwa 12.Hongera kipa kwa uwezo wa Jana uliingia kipindi Cha Pili Kenya ikiwa imeshapigwa 4.Waache kumuweka nje alaaaa😄😄😄😄😄😄😄 pic.twitter.com/8cQ4tFitZE— KMC FC (@kmcfc3) October 8, 2021 Shikhalo was making a comeback to the national team after some time out and he gave a commanding display despite letting in a goal in the latter stages of the game in which putting the ball out would have been easier than conceding.With an injury concern for the former AFC Leopards goalkeeper, it is more likely that Farouk could start in between the sticks given his firm display on Thursday.Firat takes blame for Mali humiliationKenya will play Mali on Sunday 10 October 2021 at Nyayo National Stadium in the return leg against Mali and will be hoping to make amends to the 5-0 scoreline.
