“Everyone behind the ball” is a tactic that Harambee Stars will most likely employ in their 2026 World Cup qualifier match against African champions Ivory Coast later in the evening.Given the quality of the opponent, Stars are largely expected to sit back and try to catch the Elephants on the break.Stars have performed fairly well in friendly matches against higher-ranked opponents under coach Engin Firat’s reign, but in this crucial qualifier, a positive result is all that Kenyans want at the end of the day.##NAJAVA_MECA_8154826##Memories of the 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Mali in 2021 are still fresh and it is with respect to this, Mozzart Sport predicts that Firat will be cautious in his approach and will probably play more defense-minded players.Well it’s difficult to read the mind of the Turkish coach but let’s do thisPatrick MatasiThe Kenya Police is expected to retain his place in between the sticks thanks to his experience.He has played such kind of matches before and he understands the dynamics and how to handle the pressure.Daniel AnyembeThe Viborg defender was deployed as a centre-back in the last game against Burundi.WCQ: Kenya, Ivory Coast to face off in high-stakes game in LilongweHe had a fairly decent game until late in the game where he failed to make what would have been an easy clearance, allowing Burundi to equalize.Anyembe is expected to start at right back, his preferred area of operation in the national team.Abud OmarThe experienced left-back had some shaky moments in the game against Burundi but Firat is expected to name him in the starting team.Clyde SenajiFor starters, Senaji played his first Harambee Stars game as a centre back in May 2021 against Togo.His performance in the game away in Lome earned him praise but unfortunately, he couldn’t build on it to establish himself as a regular national team player.2026 WCQ: Olunga declares Stars ready for Ivory Coast challenge as Firat decries team injuriesAlthough he is primarily a midfielder, his transition to central defence has been good.Johnstone OmurwaOmurwa has come of age and has played these kinds of matches before. He is arguably the most polished centre back in the team. His long-range passes will for sure come in handy.David ‘Cheche’ OchiengEleven years ago, Cheche played as a defensive midfielder for the national team in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.He might be a little bit rusty given that he has not been playing at Kenya Police but there is a feeling that Firat will deploy him to shield the defence.Anthony AkumuHe is one of Firat’s most trusted lieutenants. Akumu controls the midfield in a way which certainly pleased the tactician.Richard OdadaAnother player, who has earned the trust of the tactician and is expected to be named in the starting lineup.WCQ: Harambee Stars’ chaotic buildup against Ivory Coast continuesOdada is primarily a defensive midfielder who has developed good chemistry with Akumu but there is a feeling that he will be pushed up on the pitch.Duke AbuyaHis cameo against Burundi was one he will remember for a long time as he ended up opening his goal account. Abuya is creative and works hard off the ball.Rooney OnyangoHe put in the man-of-the-match performance against Burundi.Playing Anyembe at right-back will give room for Rooney to operate from the right wing.Moroccan referees to handle Kenya vs Ivory Coast gameHis crosses and ability to defend will come in handy.Michael OlungaFans will once again look up to the captain for goals in the encounter. He has a history of scoring in big matches.Substitutes:Bryne Omondi, Ian Otieno, David Okoth,Baron Ochieng, Alphonce Omija, Austin Odhiambo, John Avire, Benson Omala, Clifton Miheso, John Ochieng, Chrispine EramboWORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – AFRICAMondayEquatorial Guinea – Malawi 1-0 (0-0)/Salvador 81/Somalia – Botswana 1-3 (0-1)/Hassan 74 – Sesinyi 10, Gaolaolwe 53, Seakanyeng 72/Guinea B. – Egypt 1-1 (1-0)/Balde 42 – Salah 70/Benin – Nigeria 2-1 (2-1)/Dossou 37, Mounie 45+3 – Onyedika 27/Uganda – Algeria 1-2 (1-0)/Mutyaba 10 – Aouar 46, Benrahma 58/Ghana – Central African Republic 4-3 (1-2)/Ayew 6, 60, 69, Issahaku 62, Mafouta 11, 41, 90/Burkina Faso – Sierra Leone 2-2 (1-0)/Outtara 41, Traore 45+2 – Kargbo 58, Bakayoko 87/Guinea – Mozambique 0-1 (0-0)/Catamo 90+3/Tuesday16.00: (10.5) Kenya (5.10) Ivory Coast (1.32)19.00: (1.45) S.Africa (4.20) Zimbabwe (8.00)19.00: (4.80) Chad (3.45) Comores (1.80)19.00: (2.90) Lesotho (2.95) Rwanda (2.70)19.00: (1.62) Cape Verde (3.50) Libya (6.50)22.00: (2.90) Angola (2.75) Cameroon (2.80)22.00: (40.0) Seychelles (15.0) Burundi (1.01)***odds are subject to change***
