Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, suffered a setback in their quest to qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after falling 2-0 to South Sudan in the first leg of the first-round qualifiers on Sunday. The match, played at the Juba National Stadium, saw South Sudan’s Bright Stars take full advantage of Kenya’s lack of preparation and sluggish performance, with second-half goals from Ezibon Malish and Yohanna Paulino ensuring a crucial win for the hosts.
With Harambee Stars now facing a daunting task in the second leg, they must regroup and find their form to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes alive. The return leg is scheduled for November 3 at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, where Kenya will look to bounce back from this early setback.
Kenya’s Preparation Woes Show in First-Leg Defeat
Ahead of the match, concerns about Kenya’s preparations for the crucial qualifier were already looming large. Harambee Stars, under the guidance of head coach Engin Firat, managed to hold just two practice sessions before traveling to Juba for the game. Firat, who is now on a three-game losing streak with the team, expressed his concerns about the team’s readiness, describing the match as feeling “like a friendly with no pressure.”
This lack of preparation was evident from the first whistle. Kenya struggled to gain control of the game, with their only significant opportunity in the first half coming from a blocked Austine Odhiambo free-kick. South Sudan, on the other hand, displayed energy and organization, forcing Kenya to play reactively rather than proactively.
Second-Half Struggles: South Sudan Capitalizes
The second half saw a more determined South Sudan side take charge of the match. Just five minutes after the restart, the home team broke the deadlock. Ezibon Malish, playing on the left wing, rose highest to meet a cross and powered a header past Kenya’s goalkeeper, giving South Sudan a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute. The goal ignited the crowd at the Juba National Stadium and provided South Sudan with the confidence they needed to push for more.
As the minutes ticked on, Kenya’s defense continued to struggle under the Bright Stars’ pressure. In the 68th minute, South Sudan struck again. This time, striker Yohanna Paulino found the back of the net with a composed finish, doubling his team’s lead and putting Kenya on the back foot. The Harambee Stars offered little in response, and the lack of creativity and energy from the midfield and forward lines further compounded their troubles.
A Tough Road Ahead for Harambee Stars
With the first-leg defeat behind them, Kenya now faces an uphill battle in the second leg if they are to keep their CHAN 2024 dreams alive. The Harambee Stars must overturn a two-goal deficit when they take on South Sudan again on November 3, but this time at a neutral venue—the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
FT
South Sudan 2 0 Kenya#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/mUoKwfhkUW
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) October 27, 2024
The pressure is on for Engin Firat and his squad, as the loss to South Sudan marks the second time in a year that they have been defeated by the nation, ranked 66 places below them in the FIFA rankings. Firat has come under scrutiny for the team’s recent form, and the coach will need to address the tactical and mental issues that have plagued the team if they are to stand any chance of turning the tie around.
Opportunities for Improvement in the Second Leg
Kenya’s lackluster performance in the first leg can be attributed to several factors, including poor preparation, lack of cohesion, and minimal attacking threat. To secure a result in the second leg, Harambee Stars must focus on improving these areas:
- Better Preparation and Tactical Adjustments: Firat must utilize the days leading up to the second leg to address Kenya’s weaknesses, especially in defense and midfield. Tactical adjustments will be key, as South Sudan successfully exploited Kenya’s defensive vulnerabilities in the first leg.
- More Attacking Intent: Kenya’s attacking play was virtually non-existent in the first leg, with only one clear opportunity in the form of a blocked free-kick from Odhiambo. Firat will need to encourage more forward play and create a game plan that allows players like Masud Juma and Odhiambo to have more impact in the attacking third.
- Midfield Control: The midfield battle was lost in the first leg, with South Sudan dominating possession and dictating the tempo. Kenya will need to strengthen their midfield presence, ensuring that players like Kenneth Muguna and Lawrence Juma can win back possession and provide service to the forwards.
- Defensive Organization: The two goals conceded were the result of poor defensive marking and organization. Firat must work on ensuring that Kenya’s backline is better prepared to handle set-pieces and crosses, which were key areas exploited by South Sudan.
The Stakes: What’s on the Line
The second leg holds high stakes for Harambee Stars, as the winner on aggregate will progress to the second round of the CHAN qualifiers, where they will face either Rwanda or Djibouti. For Kenya, a failure to progress would be a significant setback, as they seek to make an impact in the CHAN tournament, which is reserved for home-based players and provides an important platform for the nation’s domestic talents.
The team will also be looking to avoid the embarrassment of losing to a lower-ranked nation twice within a year. A win in the second leg would not only help redeem their standing but also provide a much-needed morale boost for both players and fans.
Kenya’s Chance for Redemption
Harambee Stars’ 2-0 loss to South Sudan in the first leg of the CHAN qualifiers was a disappointing result that exposed Kenya’s lack of preparation and tactical discipline. However, all is not lost. The second leg offers a chance for redemption, and with the right adjustments, Kenya can still turn the tie in their favor.
The team must approach the second leg with greater focus, intensity, and determination. If they can overcome their first-leg struggles, Harambee Stars still have a chance to progress and keep their CHAN hopes alive. For now, all eyes will be on November 3, when Kenya looks to bounce back and take the next step toward qualifying for CHAN 2024.
READ NEXT:
- Enosh Ochieng Ends Goal Drought as Ulinzi Stars Secure First Win of the Season with 2-1 Win Over Posta Rangers
- Gor Mahia to Face City Stars Without Key Players: Can K’Ogalo Maintain Their Strong Start?
- Verbal Fireworks Ignite Inaugural FKF Presidential Debate as Candidates Face Off on Key Issues and Allegations
