This archive report was first published on 5 May 2021.
On March 12, 2021, a bird enjoyed the cool breeze at Nyayo National Stadium, a venue that would soon be buzzing with football action.
Kenya's Nyayo National Stadium has been given the green light by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host Harambee Stars' crucial World Cup qualifier match against Uganda.
The match is scheduled to take place between June 5 and 8, 2021.
After being closed for renovation, the stadium was re-opened in 2020 and has since hosted several matches, including friendly matches between Kenya and Zambia, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
With preparations set to kick off later this month (May), subject to the approval of the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Health, Harambee Stars will take on Uganda, Mali, and Rwanda in the second round of the qualifiers.
Only the winner of the group will secure a spot in the final phase of the qualifiers.
Kenya, Uganda, Mali, and Rwanda will all be vying for a place in the World Cup for the first time.
Kenya's Harambee Stars reached the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification in 2015, but were eventually eliminated by Cape Verde on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.
Head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee will be looking to improve the team's performance despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Here are Harambee Stars' World Cup qualification fixtures:
- Kenya vs Uganda - June 5-6, 2021
- Rwanda vs Kenya - June 12-13, 2021
- Mali vs Kenya - September 3-4, 2021
- Kenya vs Mali - September 6-7, 2021
- Uganda vs Kenya - October 6-7, 2021
- Kenya vs Rwanda - October 11-12, 2021
