Kenya vs Ethiopia: Six Stars who will play key role at Kasarani

Victor Wanya

Six players who could win the crunch AFCON reverse match for Kenya.

There will be no place to hide as all the Harambee Stars players who take onto the pitch at Kasarani Stadium today for the Group F reverse fixture of the 2019 AFCON qualifiers against Ethiopia will have a big role to play.

But let’s take a look at the six players that have the potential to win the game for Kenya and earn them a ticket to next year’s AFCON finals in Cameroon.

Victor Wanyama:  All eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder. Going onto the pitch and proving to his critics after what was perceived to be an under-whelming performance in the first leg will be a motivation to the Harambee Stars captain.

His experience, strong tackles, ability to control the game and composure in front of the back four will be valuable. He will have a monumental task to cover every blade of the grass at the centre and stifle Ethiopia’s attacking midfielders. He must have a great game to alleviate the pressure from his teammates. If Kenya has to beat Ethiopia, he has to rise up to the occasion and the lead the team from the front.

Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi against Malawi during friendly match at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. Sept 11, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Patrick Matasi: The Tusker shot-stopper has been impressive in the last two qualifiers, making stunning saves and keeping clean-sheets against Ghana (1-0) and Ethiopia (0-0). His reflex action will be key in Kenya’s chances of overcoming the Walya Antelopes today. Harambee Stars’ attempts to handle the attack-minded Ethiopia will rest heavily on Matasi’s shoulders.
Having won the Cecafa Senior Challenge with the team last year, he will be eager to play an instrumental role in helping it make a return to the AFCON finals again. He has enough composure on the ball to start Stars’ attacks with his distribution. This will be key in determining the match.

Harambee stars' Dennis Odhiambo during their Africa Cup of Nation Qualifier match against Zambia at Nyayo stadium on Sep.6 2015.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Dennis Odhiambo: With no doubt the utility Sofapaka man has been Kenya’s man of the match in the last two qualifiers. Though it has taken long for people to appreciate his worth to the national team, truth be said, Odhiambo has proven to be a player with a knack to turn up in big games if his performance against Ghana and Ethiopia is anything to go by. He has re-ignited his national team’s form under Sebastian Migné and he is invaluable to the team at the moment. His work rate, quality and intelligent play is close to none. His superb interceptions, ball distribution and excellent passing skills has made him a fan favourite. He showed no love for the Ghanaians, neutralizing their star-studded midfield. He is likely to partner with Wanyama in the heart of the Kenyan midfield.

Harambee Stars' Michael Olunga during AFCON match against DRC Congo at Kasarani Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Musa Mohammed:  Though little has been said about the Nkana centre half, he has the experience of winning the matches when he captains the team and played in the right position. He is another player who is definitely enjoying his national team football again under Migné’s reign.
Just like he did in Bahir Dar four days ago, Mohammed will have tough task to deal with pacy striking duo of Bekele Godo and captain Kebede Gibeto. He must concentrate throughout the 90 minutes and keep the Ethiopia’s forward line at bay.

If he stands firm and coordinates well with Brian Mandela and his back four, Kenya stand a good chance of emerging victorious. The solidity at the back is going to be very crucial for the hosts today.

Michael Olunga: He has been in an incredible form for his Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol, scoring three goals since joining them from Guizhou Zhicheng (China). His deceptive turn of pace and powerful shot make him a real threat to the opposition’s defence.

He is dangerous player in the box and air, but he needs the service of his teammates. Migne will expect Olunga uses his pace and instinct killer to unsettle the Ethiopian’s defence.He is brilliant with link-up play and creates a lot of space for the wingers to utilize. He has played at the highest level in Spain and Sweden, so is no stranger to this high voltage fixture. It now remains to be seen if he will bring his experience and goal scoring instincts to decide the crunch game.

Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi instructs Eric Johhana during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau on March 23. PHOTO: SPORTPICHA:STAFFORD ONDEGO

Eric Johanna: He is a potent threat going forward with a quick turn of pace and incredible ability to skip past his markers. When he is in top form, the Sweden-based winger is a great joy to watch and an asset to his team.

He is likely to influence the proceedings when he comes off his preferred right flank and drives centrally. He provided an assist in the famous 1-0 victory over Ghana. Kenyans will be hoping for another contribution from him this afternoon.