Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars, will begin their African Nations Championship (CHAN) CECAFA qualifiers against South Sudan at Juba International Stadium this afternoon.Although Kenya has already secured a spot in the 2025 CHAN tournament as one of the co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the team aims to make a strong impression during the qualifiers.Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat acknowledged the team’s limited preparation ahead of the game but remains optimistic that the squad can secure a much-needed win despite the lack of pressure. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8445528##Firat mentioned that the team had only two training sessions before the match: one in Nairobi and the other in Juba on Saturday.“Preparations start now; we had league matches in Kenya, so we only managed light warm-ups before traveling. To be honest, we lack sufficient preparation,” Firat admitted. “The schedule is demanding, especially for the players. We’ll try to come together for tomorrow’s match, but most of the players haven’t played together before, and having just one training session isn’t enough. Still, we will do our best to showcase good football.”Engin Firat admits Harambee Stars are ill prepared for CHAN qualifier against South SudanCaptain Musa Mohammed echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying, “We are ready for the match even though we did not have enough time to prepare. I know the boys are ready to give a good account of themselves on Sunday.”Meanwhile, South Sudan’s head coach, Nikolas Depous, is counting on new additions to his squad to help them secure victory over Kenya. Depous highlighted the improved quality of players in South Sudan’s local league and expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to compete against Kenya.This will not be the first time the two teams meet, as they faced off two years ago in Nairobi, where South Sudan’s Bright Stars stunned Kenya with a 1-0 win in front of a home crowd.FKFPL: Ulinzi Stars aim to break winless streak against Posta RangersA victory against South Sudan in the two legs will see Kenya advance to the final phase of the qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the Djibouti versus Rwanda match-up. The final phase is set for December 20-27, 2024.The match starts at 3.00 PMMusa tips Harambee Stars to beat South Sudan despite limited preparation timeHarambee Stars Squad in South SudanGoalkeepers:Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Farouk Shikalo (KCB), Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)Defenders:Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers), Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)Midfielders:Andres Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Clifford Otieno (Nairobi City Stars), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar)Forwards:Victor Omune (AFC Leopards), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Mathew Tegisi (Shabana), Patrick Otieno (KCB)
