The fourth round of Group F matches continues today with a high-stakes clash as Kenya’s Harambee Stars face off against African champions and group leaders Ivory Coast in an African 2026 World Cup qualifier game.The match will take place today, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, starting at 4:00 p.m. East African Time.##NAJAVA_MECA_8153013##The Elephants, the African champions, enter the match with a perfect record in the group, having won all three matches they have played so far. They won their last match with a solitary goal from veteran midfielder Seko Fofana, who scored in the 36th minute.The West Africans have also kept clean sheets in all their matches, making them the best defensive side in the group, and they have scored 12 goals, making them the strongest team on both ends of the pitch.Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Faé said they are ready for the assignment and praised Kenyan football captain Michael Olunga.”Kenya is a difficult team to play against and maybe they are going to be the first team to beat the African champions. It will be a difficult game, but we are prepared for it.”On captain Olunga, Faé added: “Kenya has a good striker called Olunga. He is a good player who can play in different formations. He can use his dribbling skills to take on defenders and his height for aerial balls.”Junior Starlets captain Elizabeth Ochoka credits Burundi’s victory to teamworkKenya, on the other hand, comes into this game after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Burundi. Substitute Duke Abuya gave Kenya the lead in the 72nd minute, but another substitute, Abdalla Sudi, equalized in the 85th minute.With four points after three matches, Kenya must win against Ivory Coast to keep their qualification hopes for the 2026 World Cup alive.Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat blamed injuries for the team’s challenges.”We are missing eight players that we called up to the squad, and one more will miss tomorrow’s game. We are not a country where you can replace everyone easily. We currently rely on local players. Ask Ivory Coast when they last used local players.”Firat also pointed to psychological issues affecting his team.”Even against Burundi, we had more chances to win the game if you look at the football aspect, but the psychological aspect didn’t favor us. We will see how that plays out in the game.”Captain Olunga expressed the team’s readiness to compete.”We know we are playing the African champions, who are a good team, but we will give our best to try and win the game. I believe we are capable of doing that.”Team News:Kenya has given late call-ups to Clyde Senaji of Nyasa Big Bullets and David Ochieng of Police FC to strengthen the central defense, which the coach identified as a problem area. Zak Vyner and Tobias Knost have been ruled out of the game.Moroccan referees to handle Kenya vs Ivory Coast game
