Are Harambee Stars finally back on track?
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Sep 09, 2023
In an electrifying demonstration of talent and tenacity, Harambee Stars left the over 11,000 spectators at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Doha in awe on Thursday night with a shocking 2-1 victory over the 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar.
The match, held on foreign soil, sent shockwaves through the footballing world as France-based Joseph Okumu and Amos Nondi etched their names in the annals of Kenyan football history.
This was the first-ever meeting between the two nations. But for Harambee Stars the famous win will act as a stepping stone for them as they prepare for the arduous 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Okumu, plying his trade for Stade de Reims in France, delivered a performance for the ages that was capped by his maiden goal for the senior national team.
His towering presence together with Portugal-based Johnstone Omurwa in the heart of the defense acted as an impenetrable fortress against the Qatari onslaught. The lanky and commanding defender intercepted passes, made crucial tackles, and led by example throughout the game.
READ MORE
Ngugi wa Thiong'o and the African literary revolution
Tanzania doctor describes bodies taken from morgue as fresh protests loom
Yet, it was his moment of brilliance in the 20th minute that set Harambee Stars on a trajectory to victory.
A perfectly timed header from Okumu found the back of the net, leaving the Qatari goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham grasping at thin air. The stadium erupted in cheers as Kenyan fans celebrated the breakthrough.
After Qatar equalised through a penalty, Amos Nondi came off the bench to add his name to the list of heroes.
His goal, a tap-in, might have looked like a mere easy thing to do but without his poacher's mind and strategic positioning, the ball would have strayed wide after a neat work by captain Michael Olunga from the left wing.
In fact, the goal left the Qatari goalkeeper Barsham stranded, and the Harambee Stars faithful in delirium.
Nondi's moment of magic secured the lead and put Kenya on course for an unforgettable triumph.
The clash between Kenya and Qatar was not just a friendly encounter; it was a statement of intent.
Harambee Stars were using the game as part of preparation for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The win against the 2022 World Cup hosts couldn't have come at a more opportune time. It served as a resounding reminder that Kenya possesses the talent, determination, and drive to compete on the world's grandest stage.
The impact of this astonishing victory on Kenya's national team cannot be overstated. It's a morale booster that will reverberate through the squad as they prepare for their second international friendly against South Sudan in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The upcoming match against South Sudan will provide an excellent opportunity for Kenya to build on the momentum generated from their win over Qatar.
It's a chance to fine-tune their tactics, test their mettle, and further bolster their team chemistry. The experience gained from facing different opponents with diverse playing styles will be invaluable as they head into the grueling World Cup qualifiers.
One of the most significant takeaways from the Qatar match was the unity and teamwork displayed by Harambee Stars. The players exhibited an unyielding commitment to one another and to their nation's footballing aspirations.
"Qatar played really well but we showed character, the tempo of the game was quite high and with the collective effort that the team had, we can continue to play this kind of games," said Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga after the match.
This collective spirit will undoubtedly carry forward into the South Sudan encounter and beyond. It's this very camaraderie that can propel a team to greatness, and Kenya appears to be slowly but surely getting the mojo back.
The Harambee Stars supporters (mostly Kenyans living in Qatar) inside the Al-Janoub Stadium played an integral part in this memorable triumph. Their unwavering passion, colourful chants, and enthusiastic cheers fueled the players' determination.
This is why captain Olunga has rallied all Kenyans to show up and fill the 60,000-seater at Kasarani Stadium on Tuesday (4pm).
"We want fans to come out in large numbers on Tuesday and rally behind the team as we take on South Sudan. If 11,000 fans can do it in Doha, we can do 60, 000 on home soil. Right?" Olunga said.
This victory is a testament to the enduring love and pride that Kenyan fans have for their national team.
As Kenya prepares to face South Sudan next week, the win over Qatar serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It's a reminder that dreams can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and belief.