From Fifa ban to World Cup dream, 2023 was a rollercoaster year for Harambee Stars

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and Rashid Toha Freedon of South Sudan fight for ball posession during International Friendly match played at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on September 12, 2023. South Sudan won 0-1. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

2023 was a period of trials, tribulations, and some triumphs for Kenya's national football team, the Harambee Stars

This was a time that served as a litmus test for their resilience and potential.

Coming back from a Fifa ban that sidelined them from international football, the Stars embarked on a journey to reclaim their standing in world football.

The year began on a somber note, with the Stars missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to the Fifa suspension.

It was a setback that denied them the chance to test their mettle against Cameroon and Namibia, potentially affecting their competitive edge and international ranking.

However, the suspension's lift heralded a series of friendlies that provided a platform for the team to demonstrate their capabilities.

Harambee Stars had a varied run of performances from March to November, indicating both resilience and areas in need of improvement. The period was marked by friendlies and World Cup qualifiers, which painted a detailed picture of the team's current standing.

In March, the Stars were set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but their matches against Cameroon and Namibia were cancelled. This was because of the Fifa ban that was not yet lifted by the time the qualifiers started in 2022.

Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat during a press conference at Swiss Hotel in preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers to be played this month. Nov 12, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The series of friendlies that followed showed a mixed bag of results.

In June, Kenya secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Pakistan, a positive outcome that would boost the team's confidence.

However, they faced a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Mauritius, a result that might have been unexpected considering Mauritius's relatively lower profile in international football.

September brought more friendlies, with Kenya pulling off an impressive 2-1 win against World Cup hosts Qatar, a team that has invested heavily in their footballing infrastructure in recent years.

This victory was significant, showcasing Kenya's potential to punch above their weight. However, this high was followed by a 1-0 loss to South Sudan, indicating inconsistency in the team's performance.

Kenya international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi training at Kasarani Annex. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In October, Kenya demonstrated their ability to hold their ground against stronger teams by drawing 2-2 with Russia. This result was particularly encouraging as it reflected the team's resilience and capacity to compete with teams that have a more established footballing history.

The World Cup qualifying campaign in November was a roller-coaster ride, starting with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Gabon after initially taking the lead. Yet, the Stars redeemed themselves with a resounding 5-0 win over Seychelles, displaying their offensive capabilities.

The friendlies continued to be a bag of mixed results, with an impressive win over Qatar highlighting Kenya's potential, while a loss to South Sudan showcased the Stars' vulnerability.

A draw against Russia in October was perhaps a reflection of the team's spirit and resilience, demonstrating their ability to stand toe-to-toe with more established football nations.

The World Cup qualifiers were where the Stars truly had their mettle tested. A disappointing loss to Gabon was a blow to their campaign, but the team's character shone through in a thumping 5-0 victory over Seychelles.

This win, while highlighting their attacking prowess, also underscored the need for a consistent finishing touch—a theme that persisted throughout the year.

Despite these fluctuating results, Harambee Stars' Fifa ranking remained static at 110th, a clear indicator that while progress was made, there was still much work to do.

Harambee Stars coah Engin Firat instructs his charges against South Sudan during International Friendly match played at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on September 12, 2023. South Sudan won 0-1. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Coach Firat's observations about the lack of creativity and one-on-one prowess suggested areas for tactical and technical development.

Looking into 2024, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the remainder of the World Cup qualifiers, there is a sense of cautious optimism.

The team has shown it can compete, but now must build on its potential to achieve greater consistency and success on the international stage.

The emergence of new talents and Firat's strategic approach in blending youth with experience are promising signs. Captain Michael Olunga's leadership and goal-scoring ability, alongside the rise of young stars like Benson Omalla, indicate a bright future for the team.

In conclusion, 2023 was a year that Harambee Stars were tested by fire. They showed glimpses of what they could achieve, but also what they need to overcome to rise higher.

The Stars' journey was emblematic of the broader challenges faced by emerging football nations—challenges they will continue to tackle as they strive to leave an indelible mark on the world stage.

The tale of the Harambee Stars is one of undying spirit, an unfinished symphony that Kenyan fans hope will crescendo in the coming years.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga celebrates after scoring a goal during their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group F match against Seychelles at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.on November 20, 2023. [FKF Media]

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Harambee Stars face the uphill task of securing their spot in a highly competitive group that includes powerhouses Ivory Coast and Gabon.

The importance of goal difference, evident in Ivory Coast's 9-0 victory, emphasises the need for a more prolific goal-scoring performance.

While the 5-0 win against Seychelles brought joy to fans, it also exposed the team's vulnerabilities, prompting a critical evaluation of their finishing and overall cohesion. As Firat continues to shape the team's identity, the hunger for success and aversion to losing provide a foundation for Harambee Stars to build upon.

The year 2023 has been a narrative of progress and setbacks for Harambee Stars, but the story is far from concluded. As they brace for the challenges of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Kenya's football enthusiasts hold their breath, hopeful that 2024 will usher in a new chapter of triumph and continued growth for their beloved national team.