OKUMBI CHANGING TACK: Harambee Stars coach to make changes ahead of Sudan match

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama takes on Mendez Lopes of Guinea Bissau during their Africa Cup of Nation qualifier match at Nyayo Stadium on March 27, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi has hinted at making several changes to the starting team that drew 1-1 with Tanzania on Sunday.

When the Stars parade for today's friendly match against Sudan at the Kasarani Stadium from 4pm, some players will have lost their place in the national team, while others will be happy to get the nod.

Harambee Stars have faced criticism after a series of poor results since holding Congo 1-1 away in their opening Group E match of the 2017 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers. They later lost 2-1 to visiting Zambia.

The team's patchy vein of form continued even after Okumbi took over from Bobby Williamson in February. Stars have lost twice (1-0) to Guinea Bissau in the two-legged Africa Nations Cup qualifiers before drawing with Tanzania on Sunday.

Just like the two-legged tie against Bissau, the Stars seemed to struggle for goals and creativity against Tanzania.
But with nothing at stake, Okumbi is expected to make several changes today as he seeks to register his first win ahead of Sunday's Africa Nations Cup qualifiers return leg against Congo.

Gor Mahia full-back Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma is among the youngsters in the frame to be handed their senior team debut, according to the former Mathare United coach.

"It might be my secret, but I am going to do some changes. We need to get the right quality to use in the Congo match. So there is a big possibility that those who played on Sunday will take a rest," said Okumbi.

"Personally, I think Aboud (Omar) did well, but since we have three matches coming up, definitely expect Marcelo to play."

Okumbi insisted he is not feeling any pressure despite the growing criticism swirling around the team's below par performance.

"There is no pressure at all because at the end of the day, I tell my players that they need to give their best to get positive results. I just urge them to continue pushing hard and soon we will get it right," said Okumbi.

Reflecting on Tanzania's draw, Okumbi said: "Offensively, it was not bad, but we were a little bit slow and then converting chances was also a problem. We had four clear chances from open play, but missed them. So it means we need to do a lot in terms of finishing."

However, the soft-spoken coach was quick to defend his decision of starting with two holding midfielders, captain Victor Wanyama and Zesco's Anthony Akumu against Taifa Stars on Sunday.

"It doesn't mean that when you have all the attacking players you will score."