This archive report was first published on 7 October 2021.
Kenya's Harambee Stars will face a stern test against Mali in their World Cup qualification match on Thursday in Agadir, Morocco. The two sides last met in 2004, with Mali emerging victorious 3-1.
Seventeen years later, the stakes are higher, and the Stars will look to change the result against the West African powerhouse. Mali is using Agadir as their home ground, as none of their stadia are approved to host FIFA matches.
With two points separating the two sides, a drop in points on Thursday will be a significant blow for Kenya in their quest to challenge for a first-ever World Cup qualification. Mali sits top of Group E with four points, while Stars are second with two points, off back-to-back draws against Uganda and Rwanda.
Stars' captain Michael Olunga knows the weight of the task ahead and has rallied his teammates to ensure they dig in their best and give a good account of themselves against the Malians.
“I believe all players are ready to fight for the country and we want to do the best. We know the task ahead of us is difficult but it is not impossible. We have to show what we can do as a team, work hard and get a good result,” says Olunga.
Olunga returned from injury to score five goals by himself last weekend for his Qatari club Al Duhail and also scored Kenya's lone goal against Rwanda in the last qualifier. He hopes the momentum keeps swinging his way as he carries the weight of the armband as well as the expectation to hunt down the goals for Kenya.
He believes the team has prepared well and will be in line to bank three points. “Preparations have been good. Mentally all players are ready to give their best. It is a good opportunity to play against Mali which is one of the best teams in Africa and we are ready for the challenge,” he added.
