Why Harambee Stars were forced play without their branded national jerseys during 1-1 draw against DR Congo

Harambee Stars played without their branded national jerseys during their international friendly match against DR Congo at Sports Center Santa Ana Calle in Madrid, Spain on Saturday, June 15, 2019.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has explained why Harambee Stars were forced play without their branded national jerseys during their 1-1 draw against DR Congo in a friendly match in Spain yesterday.

According to FKF, Stars had to put on unbranded all-white shirts against DR Congo after Transavia Airline, a Dutch low-cost airline, left the team's official Macron kit luggage in Paris.

The team had been on the last leg of a three-week training camp at the headquarters of the Rugby Football Federation (RFF) in Marcoussis, an exclusive Paris suburb, ahead of the up-coming Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

"Harambee Stars is set to wear unbranded jerseys in their match against Congo after Transavia Airline left the team's official Macron kit luggage in Paris,” FKF explained in a statement ahead the Saturday kick-off.

Despite the jersey glitch, the Sebastian Migne-led team put a stellar performance, giving the coach some guarded optimism backed also by their 1-0 win over Madagascar.

Michael Olunga struck from the edge of the box past Ley Matampi in the 25th minute after a surging run by Ayub Timbe as Kenya looked on course to shock the two-time African champions.

Matasi preserved Kenya’s lead with a well-time penalty save from Cedric Bakambu in  51st minute after he had been adjudged to have brought down Paul-Jose Mpoku after restart only to let the ball trickle into the net from Arthur Masuaku’s 87th minute free kick.

Egypt

Harambee Stars are set to travel to Egypt on Wednesday, five days before their opening match against Algeria.

Kenya are in Group C alongside Senegal, Algeria and Tanzania.

They play their last group match against West African football powerhouse Senegal on July 1.

Final Squad

Defender Brian Mandela is currently ruled out of the continental showdown after sustaining a knee injury in training.

Zambia-based midfielder Teddy Akumu, Clifton Miheso, who plies his trade in Portugal and Christopher Mbamba will also not feature as they were dropped from the final squad.

Captain and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama, Ismael Gonzalez (Spain), Dennis Odhiambo of Sofapaka, Paul Were (AFC Leopards), Johannah Omolo (Belgium), Eric Johannah (Sweden) and Francis Kahata will control the midfield.

David Owino "Calabar" of Zesco United, Musa Mohamed of Nkana FC, Joseph Okumu (USA), Joash Onyango, Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia) Eric Ouma (Sweden) and Aboud Omar will shoulder defensive responsibilities.

Japan-based striker Michael Olunga will lead China-based Ayub Timbe, youngster Ovella Ochieng, who plays in Sweden, Sofapaka's John Avire and Masud Juma.

 

Rugby
SCHOOLS: Kitondo sets sights on national glory ahead of Eastern Region rugby showdown
Athletics
Watch out for improved times at Lukenya marathon on Sunday
Rugby
SCHOOLS: Maseno School renew rivalry with St Mary's Yala in rugby
Hockey
SCHOOLS: Ng'iya Girls, Ageng'a Mixed, Kisumu Girls and Nyamira headline hockey