The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Kenya face Iraq tonight in what should be an exchange of friendly fire in Basra Stadium

Football

By The Standard Sports | Oct 05, 2017

The national team Harambee Stars has not lost any of their last seven friendly matches and today’s match (7pm) against Iraq away will be an acid test of sorts for Kenya.

Since being appointed last year, Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi looks to have had a better run in friendly matches compared to competitive ones though the tactician insists he is in the process of building a strong team.

Okumbi’s record in international matches stand at four wins and three draws, which is impressive by all accounts, but disappointing for a team that is still waiting to qualify for its first major tournament since the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations finals held in Tunisia.

It will still be a good achievement to pick a win tonight as this will help improve the country’s Fifa rankings. The Kenyan coach has carried his best players for today’s match with Gor Mahia goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch expected to start between the posts.

Oluoch looks to have regained his form going by his performance at his club. Being a friendly match, Okumbi will have an opportunity to try out both goalkeepers, meaning Patrick Matasi could get some playing time.

Keep Reading

Georgia-based Eric Ouma is back in the team after missing out the last time and should have a start at the back alongside Haron Shakava, Robinson Kamura and the experienced Jockins Atudo.

Eric Johanna, who plays in Sweden, will also have an opportunity to start in midfield, same as Clifton Miheso, Samuel Onyango and Patilah Omotto. Onyango from Ulinzi Stars looks to have cemented his place in the Stars midfield at the beginning of the year and will be hoping for a positive return.

Girona’s Michael Olunga is also in the team for the first time since he moved to Spain and will be excited to return to scoring ways after a brief lull. The former Gor Mahia forward recently moved to Spain after a brief spell in China.

He should be motivated after making an appearance against Spanish giants Barcelona two weeks ago.

Iraq are expected to give Stars good competition given their pedigree. This is a team that has played in the World Cup as well as the Confederations Cup. Had it not been for the ravages of war in the Asian country, they would have been regular visitors to the Fifa world cup and other major tournaments.

Even then, they still remain a strong side in Asia.

The last time they played Harambee Stars, they won 2-0 in 2003 during a tournament held in Bahrain.

Harambee Stars will also play Thailand on Sunday in another international build-up match.