The phrase, according to me is the only according that matters, could not be highlighted any better when it comes to Harambee Stars tactician Engin Firat. National call up after national call up, the coach has been ripped apart for his selection.The Turkish tactician has however always stuck to his guns and he looks like a man with a proper plan. When Kenya set out to play the four nations series in Mauritius, the Kenyan faithful just wanted to see their team play, and boy did they, well in the first half at least.In this piece we are going to look at how Kenya set up in their encounter against Pakistan, how the set up depicted a plan, although very early days, if the previous friendly against Iran and this game are something to go by, something is cooking at Harambee Stars. Delve deep into the 1-0 win by Kenya.Debutant Shumah on the mark as Harambee Stars edge Pakistan in MauritiusKenya set up in a 1-4-4-2 formation, in goal was KCB FC shot stopper Byrne Omondi, a player who very soon could make the Harambee Stars jersey one his own. His ball playing abilities are growing to become second to none. He is an able shot stopper and good when coming out to claim crosses. His control of his area is assuring. The central defensive pairing was of Collins Sichenje and David “Cheche “ Ochieng. The full back positions were occupied by Aboud Omar and Amos Nondi. Coach Engin Firat’s double pivot consisted of Richard Odada and Anthony Akumu. On the flanks were Eric Ouma and Daniel Sakari, this raised a few eyebrows as they are natural fullbacks. The front two consisted of captain Michael Olunga paired with Moses Shumah, the Kakamega Homeboyz attacker earning his debut in this game.From my understanding, though rather limited of Engin Firat, his teams will always be frustrating to attack against, he however is slowly turning Harambee Stars into a sleek, endearing possession based side. In this match, against Pakistan, he managed to create a proper system with good double pivot balance and rather effective use of the halfspaces. He is slowly but surely getting the best out of the players he has.Engin Firat unimpressed with Harambee Stars performance despite win over PakistanThe Harambee Stars structure in possession is heavily reliant on off the ball movement and the creation of passing lanes through the use of third man runs. Coach Firat and his technical team have created a structure where they now always have an outlet when in possession.In build up from the goalkeeper, Kenya looked to split the centre backs, the fullbacks would move a little higher up to stay in the same line as the double pivot dropping deep. Initially, the double pivots looked to stay in close proximity, when Pakistan looked to try and press a little higher. However Pakistan dropped lower into a 1-4-4-1-1 midblock and Kenya’s flexible patterns in possession begun to show. Richard Odada looked to drop into the backline, either between the two centre backs or over to the right back position. This movement caused a ripple effect throughout the team’s structure, Amos Nondi would move further forward to provide width on the right. This made Daniel Sakari come inside to play in the right halfspace. With Richard Odada dropping into the backline, forming an auxiliary three at the back Anthony Akumu would now look to act as the first phase midfielder, dropping to link play. Richard Odada( 12) dropping into the right back position. Anthony Akumu ( Central) dropping to provide a passing option in build upAboud Omar and Eric Ouma would remain wide on the left. The gap for linking the midfield and attack would now look to be bridged by Michael Olunga, who would drop deep to act as the link between the midfield and attack. Moses Shumah would remain high up, pinning the opposition centre backs.Daniel Sakari – From oblivion to cementing Harambee Stars’ right back positionIn the first half, Coach Engin Firat did not use traditional wingers as stated above, but instead opted for traditional fullbacks with very good technical quality, this ensured that the ball side ‘winger’ would attack the halfspace. This action created confusion for Pakistan in their out of possession structure. Daniel Sakari also brought intelligent movement in attack, looking to detach from his marker and look to create space in behind by drawing his marker out or if not tracked he could receive and run at his marker.Good game from Daniel Sakari at right-back yesterday. I think he’s secured his place in the National team now pic.twitter.com/6rW3wvQVi4— Jeff Kinyanjui (@_JeffKinyanjui) March 26, 2021 In Moses Shumah, if the Kakamega Homeboyz man can be consistent, Coach Engin Firat could have found his answer to a back up or a twin striker for Michael Olunga. Football has reverted back to it’s old ways, the days of the penalty box target man are back. Moses Shumah, has good workrate on and off the ball, he is intelligent in the box and has a keen sense of where the goal is. His side foot finish showing his intelligence in this situation. Coach Engin Firat will now have to figure out what has made many former Harambee Stars managers struggle, how do you feed your target men. He could opt for the byline crosses given the good quality he has in the wide positions, or as done in the second half, he could push Richard Odada high ocassionally and look to have him supply the forward or forwards from deeper positions.Harambee Stars call up leaves Moses Shumah in cloud nine##NAJAVA_MECA_7321860##The in possessions structure in this game will be encouraging, although against lower ranked opposition. There are some positives; the coach however cut a frustrated figure after the game majorly due to the dismal second half performance. However slight increase in the tempo of passing and maximum control especially against lower sides will give the team more confidence.In conclusion, the selection of the manager, and how he wants to play seem to be aligning. He is a man with a plan. We Kenyan’s are an impatient people, this he will surely have known, but he has been given the keys to the house. In his hands lies our future and if initial structures are to go by, he just could be the man for it. Let him cook!
