Harambee Stars seek first AFCON Group G win against leaders Comoros at Kasarani tonight

Harambee Stars coaches (from left) Twahir Muhiddin, Ken Odhiambo, Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee, and William Muluya. [Kelly Ayodi/Standard]

UPDATE: Harambee Stars starting lineup for Comoros tie

Starting XI

Arnold Origi (GK), Samuel Olwande, Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela, Victor Wanyama, Cliff Nyakeya, Johana Omollo, Erick Johanna Omondi, Ayub Timbe, Masud Juma

Substitutes

Ian Otieno (GK), Brian Bwire (GK), David Owino Odhiambo, David Owino Ambulu, John Avire, John Mark Makwata, Ismael Gonzalez, Hassan Abdallah, Bonface Muchiri, Johnstone Omurwa, Kenneth Muguna, Anthony Akumu

Harambee Stars coach looking forward to a tough match tonight as he returns to the dugout for the first time in almost a decade.

Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee says he respects Comoros, but he doesn’t fear them ahead of tonight’s (7pm) Group G match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers tie at Kasarani Stadium.

Even as the two sides are coming off home draws (Kenya 1-1 Togo, Comoros 0-0 Egypt), they both know how important today’s fixture will be in their qualification journey before Sunday’s return leg in Moroni.

The Islanders remain the surprise package of the group so far following their shock 1-0 away win over Togo on match day one before frustrating Egypt to a barren draw to go top of the group on 4 points.

While Kenya, who also bagged a famous 1-1 draw against the Egyptians in their opening fixture in Cairo, will be aiming to put themselves in pole position to secure a second successive Afcon finals ticket, Comoros are striving to qualify for their first ever continental finals.

Though Harambee Stars have been boosted by the late arrival of their captain Victor Wanyama, they will have to do without the services of on-form Kashiwa Reysol striker Michael Olunga.

The Japan-based forward failed to travel for the match due to coronavirus related restrictions at his Asian-base.

And as Mulee returns to the national team’s dug-out for the first in almost a decade, he is eager to start his fifth stint on a positive note.

He believes his charges have what it takes to stand in the way of the unpredictable Les Coelacantes.

“It’s just another day in the office and we of course anticipate many things, but definitely we are looking forward to better results,” said Mulee.

“We have to respect them (Comoros) a lot because they have done well in their last two matches and are on top of the group. Having won away against Togo that’s a big achievement to them. However, that doesn’t mean we fear them. We stand on their way because if by any chance they pick points in Nairobi then it is going to be a big win for them and bring a lot of difficulty in the group.

He continued: “Nobody knew Comoros would go to Togo and get all the three points, so we know how tough they are. They have hunger of qualifying for their first ever Afcon finals but we must try our best and stop them from opening the gap at the top.  But they also know collecting three points from Nairobi is not easy. This is a very important game for Kenya and we know what the expectations are.”

While the former Tusker coach has admitted that Olunga’s absence will somehow be felt, he is confident in the abilities of his replacement.

“As Kenyans, we have our way of doing things. Olunga is not here but we knew that at least a week before and I think we have other strikers that can take the mantle. He is a top striker and he has done well for the team and his club, but now that he is not there we can’t cry over spilt milk; you do with what you have,” said Mulee.

Just like Mulee, Mamelodi Sundowns defender Brian Mandela is prepared for a tough encounter tonight.

“We are very ready for the Comoros game. The boys have been training well and they are good to go. The number of days in training doesn’t matter because we know each other well and we are also aware of the task lying ahead. Therefore, we are ready to represent the nation,” said Mandela.

“We have watched Comoros videos and we know it is a good team. But this game is equally very important for us because if we win we will be with five points, and in order for us to qualify we need to win matches.”