Harambee Stars will face Gabon this afternoon in a crucial must-win World Cup qualifier, set to take place at a packed Nyayo National Stadium. This marks the first time in nearly four years that Kenya will host a competitive home game, the last being a 2021 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, which Harambee Stars won 2-1 at the same venue.Since then, Kenya has been unable to host matches due to a lack of CAF/FIFA-certified stadiums. The national team had to play their AFCON and World Cup qualifiers abroad. However, following renovations at Nyayo Stadium, football finally returns to Kenya.##NAJAVA_MECA_8799842##Kenyan fans are eagerly anticipating the match, and with over 22,000 tickets sold out, all that’s left is for the game to kick off, with hopes of a positive outcome for Harambee Stars.Coach Benni McCarthy is expected to make changes to the starting XI from the 3-3 draw against Gambia last Thursday. In that game, McCarthy initially fielded experienced players before turning to his substitutes, who impressed with strong performances. Debutant Bajaber Mohammed and William Lekumpae both scored after coming off the bench.Benni McCarthy baffled by Engin Firat overlooking Mohammed BajaberMcCarthy has hinted at fresh faces for today’s match, noting that the starting players from Thursday may not all be available or in the desired form. He praised the substitutes for their mentality and energy, signaling his intent to give them a chance in the starting lineup.“That was one of the strongest Kenyan teams we put out, but I don’t think many of them will be ready for Sunday the way I’d like. I’m going to rely on the bench players who didn’t get a chance against Gambia and those who made an impact after coming on,” McCarthy said.He added, “The substitutes came in with great energy and mentality. Two of them got on the scoresheet, so I’ll count on them to deliver a strong performance.”Gabon coach vows to deploy Aubameyang against Harambee StarsProbable Harambee Stars starting XI:Goalkeeper: Ian Otieno – The South Africa-based keeper had a solid performance against Gambia, despite conceding a penalty. He made key saves and is expected to retain his spot between the posts.Backline: Ronney Onyango, Johnstone Omurwa, Daniel Anyembe, Erick Ouma – Onyango and Ouma were effective in the full-back positions, and Omurwa could replace Brian Mandela, who struggled in the previous match, to partner Anyembe in central defense.Midfield: Richard Odada, Teddy Akumu, William Lekumpae – Odada and Akumu started alongside Ismael Gonzalez, who was substituted at halftime. Lekumpae, who impressed with a debut goal, may earn his first start in Stars’ colors.McDonald Mariga issues rallying call to Kenyans ahead of Harambee Stars vs Gabon clashForward: Bajaber Mohammed, Jonah Ayunga, Michael Olunga – Bajaber scored a stunning goal against Gambia and is likely to start. Ayunga, who won the penalty that led to Kenya’s comeback, should also feature. Despite a challenging day, Olunga remains Kenya’s top striker and is expected to lead the attack.Starting XI against GabonIan Otieno (GK), Ronney Onyango, Johnstone Omurwa, Daniel Anyembe, Erick Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, William Lekumpae, Mohammed Bajaber, Jonah Ayunga, Michael OlungaThe millions FKF has made from sale of tickets for Harambee Stars vs Gabon match
