Firat confident but cautious ahead of Zimbabwe clash

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat says the match against Zimbabwe Tuesday evening will be a different affair with the experience they had against hosts Malawi on Saturday.

Kenya humbled The Flames 0-4 in the semi final of the four-nation tournament, to book a date with Zimbabwe which edged 2014 African Champions Zambia on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

But Firat is cautious, saying his boys must be ready for a different challenge from a different opponent, if they are to end the Malawi trip on a high.

“Even if you win 4-0, you have to be humble lest it makes your team more relaxed. Then, a team which comes from 2-0 to 2-2 has more motivation and belief, which they (Zimbabwe) did against Zambia. Therefore, we will see tomorrow (Tuesday),” said Firat.

The coach did not reveal if he would change his lineup which started against Malawi. In the match, captain Michael Olunga scored two while Ayub Timbe and John Avire scored one each to complete the rout.

At the same time, the coach who is using the matches to sharpen Harambee Stars ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June, is optimistic of staging inspiring shows against Burundi and Ivory Coast, whom they are set to host in Nairobi.

“There are two components about it; one is tactical part - how we develop the team tactically matters. The second part is the team which I will have in June. Like I said in the press conference before, these teams here are not Morocco or Senegal, they don’t have at least 25 top players.

“So, it depends, if one key player is missing, it will affect the entire team a lot. Therefore, if I put this team together and they are mentally ready we will have good result in June.

Firat has in the meantime asked the government to do all it can to have Nyayo Stadium ready for the double home matches in the June window.

Currently, the Stadium has not me the required FIFA standards for class A matches, while the other alternative MISC Kasarani is now shut in preparations for AFCON 2027.