Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has assured Kenyans that the National Football Team Harambee Stars’ focus is on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
Namwamba made the remarks after Kenya suffered defeat to neighbors South Sudan in a friendly match at the Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday, September 12.
“These friendlies polish up our mistakes and horn our strengths, eye firmly on the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers from November,” Namwamba said.
Kenyan sports enthusiasts might have felt a pang of disappointment. However, the sentiments echoed by Namwamba offer a glimmer of hope for Kenyan football fans.
Harambee Stars vs South Sudan
The match against South Sudan was a closely contested affair. Both sides exhibited resilience and determination throughout the game. This was Kenya’s second friendly match in a span of one week after emerging victorious against Qatar.
It was an opportunity for the Kenyan National Football team to fine-tune its strategies and assess strengths and weaknesses.
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Disappointment Among Kenyan Fans
The only goal of the match scored by forward Tito Okello, came in the second minute of the first half.
The defeat undoubtedly left Kenyan football fans disappointed, especially considering the excitement and anticipation that preceded the match after President William Ruto rallied behind Harambee Stars.
The hope of witnessing a resounding victory on home soil was palpable, and the narrow loss was a bitter pill to swallow.
Lessons ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Despite the defeat, there were positives to take away from the match. The Kenyan team displayed commendable teamwork and skill, creating several scoring opportunities.
At the same time, Harambee Stars exhibited resilience throughout the game, thwarting numerous South Sudan attacks. These friendly matches, as noted by Namwamba, serve as crucial opportunities to polish up on mistakes and hone strengths.
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Kenya is in Group F and will face Gabon, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles.
Kenyan fans can take solace in the fact that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a historic tournament, with the participation of 48 teams for the first time.
Harambee Stars will be fighting to finish top of the group to secure their maiden World Cup appearance. Nine African teams will take part in the tournament up from 5.
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The road may be challenging, but with the nation’s unwavering support, the dream of seeing Kenya on the world stage is well within reach.
