By Tione Andsen

Lilongwe, June 10, Mana: Kenya National Football Team, the “Harambee Stars” have an uphill task when they face reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast,” the Elephants” in Group F qualifiers of 2026 World Cup on Tuesday at Bingu National Stadium in Area 48, Lilongwe.

Harambee Stars are playing at home, need to forget their last minutes 1-1 draw against Burundi last Friday, if they are to collect maximum points over the Elephants.

The Kenyans have played three games at Bingu Stadium and have won twice and drew once, they are familiar with the environment of the pitch. 

Boyed with their 1-0 win over Gabon at home, the Ivorian’s are keen to make 100 percent record of winning games in their group without even conceding a goal.

The Elephants are leading the group with nine points after beating Seychelles 9-0, Gambia 0-2 and Gabon 1-0 while Kenya claimed victory over Seychelles 5-0, lost against Gabon 2-1 and drew 1-1 against Burundi, have four points on third position.

During Press briefing on Monday at Bingu National Stadium, Kenya Coach, Engin Firat revealed that nine players would be missed on his starting lineup due to injuries.

“We were playing Burundi and eight of them missed. We had another injured when we were playing them on Friday. In total we have nine players injured and this is making my plans for the team not to work perfectly,” he explained.  

Firat said look at Ivory Coast, they have a team full of foreign based players and this is the quality they have and asked them as to when a local player played for the national side.

He admitted that it would not be easy for his team owing to problems that have engulfed his players lately.

Captain for Harambee Stars, Michael Olunga said the players are really focused against Ivory Coast, the current African champions and they pose a different threat as opposed to Burundi.

He said each and every game we play, we plan and see how our opponents play so that we can counter attack them.

“We really wanted to take maximum points against Burundi but we only manage a point to us it was a set back and every game really matters,” Olunga added.

Ivorian Coach, Emerse Fae noted that Kenya is a good team and has a good striker, Olunga who plays in different positions within the team and they could be the first team to beat the champions. 

“It will be difficult to play them but we need to play same energy we used against Gabon. We need to respect our opponents.  In Africa, there are no longer small teams and such teams usually can cause an upset if you not careful,” he observed.

Fae disclosed that some two players are carrying injures but one of them is expected to go for fitness before the game tomorrow.

One of the Ivorian players, Amani Lazare denied that they have an advantage over Kenya saying both teams have equal chances depending on the play.

He said weather condition in Lilongwe was fine which similar to Europe and they are expected to play a good game with such weather.

The Group F encounter will kick off at 3 pm.