This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
Harambee Stars Face Egypt in 2021 Afcon Qualifier ¶
The Harambee Stars team is set to face Egypt in a 2021 Afcon qualifier at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria on Thursday evening from 7pm.
Striker John Avire has been at the centre of a transfer tussle between Sofapaka and Egyptian side Tanta SC, with the latter refusing to release him to the national team due to a lack of an official request letter from Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
However, former Tusker striker Boniface Muchiri has joined the Stars camp in Egypt, while other foreign-based players such as Johanna Omolo (Belgium), Victor Wanyama (England), Michael Olunga (Japan), Eric Johanna, Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu (Sweden), Harun Shakava (Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Ethiopia), and Cliff Nyakeya (Egypt) are also part of the squad.
Kenya is yet to register a win after the 2019 Afcon, having played to a 1-1 draw with Uganda Cranes in August and lost to Mozambique by a solitary goal in September.
On the other hand, Egypt will be without their biggest star Mohamed Salah, who is nursing a minor ankle injury, and experienced playmaker Abdullah El Said, who is a victim of a war of words between Pharaohs coach Hossam El Badry and Pyramids FC.
Midfielder Johanna Omolo says the team is ready for the battle, stating, "Everyone is motivated and we have been working hard to ensure we master tactics that we can use to hurt the Pharaohs."
After the game, Kenya will jet back to Nairobi to host Togo on Monday, while Egypt will be away in Comoros on the same day.
