Harambee Stars to play second build-up match against DRC in Madrid today

Harambee Stars winger Paul Were (right) during the team training session in Paris, France on June 13, 2019. [Courtesy]

Harambee Stars play their second build-up match against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Sports Centre Santa Ana Calle in Madrid today.

While Stars have set up camp at the exclusive French Rugby headquarters in a Paris suburb ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations finals, their opponents are training in Spain.

Harambee Stars coach Sebastian Migne has said his main focus is on the June 23 Africa Cup of Nations opening match against Algeria and is not so worried about today's results.

Migne said he will use the match to test several formations and players he would like to use in Egypt next week.

"The most important match is the one against Algeria. Against Congo, we don't want to take risks and suffer injuries.

"I am especially cautious about Musa Mohammed who got a knock. He will rest for the match. We don't want to risk him."

The team has already suffered a major blow in the backline after South Africa based defender Brian Mandela was ruled out of the Nations Cup with an injury.

"I will use the match to see what some of the defenders can offer the team. We want to see their performance at high level.

"Therefore Joseph Okumu will start and I also want to see how they can pair up with Joash Onyango.

"Onyango has shown us what he can offer and he has a chance to come back again. I want to see if he can still start for the team in Egypt."

Migne termed today's opponents one of the best to compete against and believes they will pick valuable lessons from the match.

Stars go into this match motivated by a 1-0 win they picked against Madagascar last week in Paris.

With just a few days before the Africa Cup of Nations finals kick off, the Stars coach will be keen to build the confidence of his players especially in front of goal.

This area has been of great concern as Kenyan strikers have been struggling to score goals.

Going into a major tournament, Migne will be hoping it is an area he can fix quickly.

Japan based Michael Olunga who has been Kenya's key striker is expected to start against Congo tonight. He came on as a second half substitute in the match against Madagascar and made a big impact.

Masoud Juma who sat out in the match is also expected to start with Sofapaka forward John Avire coming on as a second half substitute.

The Harambee Stars coach does not seem too sure about China based midfielder Ayub Timbe and this is another opportunity to see him again at a competitive level.

Timbe could play alongside team captain Victor Wanyama, Ishmael Gonzalez with Dennis Odhiambo coming on later in the match.

It is highly unlikely Migne will risk making any changes in the goalkeeping department and so Patrick Matasi is tipped to start.

Victory in this match is what Harambee Stars need to go to Cairo with the needed confidence to face their opponents.

Stars are in a tough group that also includes Senegal and Tanzania.