In a disappointing first-leg result for the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s men’s national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat to South Sudan in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) first-round qualifiers.
The match, played at the Juba National Stadium on Sunday, October 27th, exposed Kenya’s lack of preparation and highlighted the challenges they face in securing a place in the next round.
Despite the setback, all hope is not lost for the Harambee Stars. With the second leg scheduled for Sunday, November 3rd, at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, Kenya has a chance to turn things around.
However, they must learn from their mistakes, regroup, and deliver a much stronger performance if they hope to advance.
The build-up to the first leg was far from ideal for Kenya. Coach Engin Firat had already raised concerns about the team’s preparation, admitting they only had two practice sessions before the game.
While these comments may have been intended to manage expectations, they foreshadowed the difficult challenge ahead.
Firat’s remark that the match felt “like a friendly with no pressure” turned out to be a troubling understatement, as his team struggled to assert themselves on the pitch.
Harambee Stars’ first-half performance was largely uninspired, with the only notable moment coming from an Austine Odhiambo freekick, which was blocked by the South Sudanese defense.
While both teams went into halftime with the score still level, the signs of trouble for the Harambee Stars were evident.
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South Sudan Shines in the Second Half
South Sudan, on the other hand, showed resilience and determination, particularly in the second half.
Just five minutes after the break, they took the lead through Ezibon Malish’s towering header. The Bright Stars continued to push forward, and in the 68th minute, striker Yohanna Paulino doubled the lead with a well-taken goal, sealing a 2-0 victory for the hosts.
For South Sudan, this win marks a significant achievement, particularly against a nation ranked 66 places above them in the FIFA rankings.
Having also beaten Kenya earlier this year, they have now registered back-to-back victories over their more illustrious neighbors, demonstrating that they are a team to be reckoned with in African football.
FT’ | CHAN Qualifiers | Vital win for Bright Star at home.
⚽ Ezbon 50′
⚽ Yohanna 68′#BrightStar #CHANqualifiers pic.twitter.com/jWcn863oAb— South Sudan Football Association (@ssfa_com) October 27, 2024
A Tough Challenge Awaits Kenya in the Second-Leg
The Harambee Stars now face a monumental task in the second leg. Not only do they need to overturn a two-goal deficit, but they must also do so against a South Sudanese side brimming with confidence. The second-leg match will take place in Uganda, where both teams will be battling for a spot in the next round of CHAN qualifiers.
If Kenya fails to respond, they risk missing out on a golden opportunity to progress in the tournament. For the Harambee Stars, the pressure is on to deliver a much-improved performance, and fans will be hoping that Firat and his players can find the form and focus needed to secure a place in the next round.
What Needs to Change for Kenya?
- Improved Preparation: The first and most obvious issue that Kenya must address is their preparation. Two practice sessions are simply not enough for a competitive match at this level. Firat will need to ensure that his players are better organized and mentally prepared for the second leg.
- Attacking Threat: Harambee Stars’ lack of attacking intent was glaring in the first leg. Apart from Odhiambo’s freekick, they struggled to create meaningful chances. The Harambee Stars must find ways to unlock the South Sudan defense, whether through quick counterattacks, set pieces, or individual brilliance.
- Defensive Solidity: Kenya’s defense must also tighten up if they are to avoid conceding more goals in the second leg. South Sudan’s goals came from lapses in concentration, and the Harambee Stars cannot afford such mistakes in Uganda.
- Mental Toughness: The mental aspect of the game cannot be overlooked. After losing twice to South Sudan in the span of a year, Kenya must put those results behind them and approach the second leg with confidence and determination.
The stakes could not be higher for Harambee Stars. Winning on aggregate will see them advance to the second-round qualifiers, where they will face either Rwanda or Djibouti. A defeat, on the other hand, would be a significant blow to their aspirations, not just for this tournament, but for the overall progress of the national team.
Despite the challenges, Kenya has the talent to overturn the result. Players like Austine Odhiambo, who has been one of Kenya’s brighter sparks, and others need to step up and lead by example. Firat, for his part, must find the right tactics and motivation to bring out the best in his team.
The road ahead for the Harambee Stars is undoubtedly difficult, but it is not impossible. The second-leg match offers a chance for redemption, and Kenya’s players will be keen to prove that they are capable of delivering under pressure. With better preparation, a stronger attacking approach, and improved defensive focus, Kenya could still salvage their CHAN campaign.
However, if they fail to adapt and respond to the challenge posed by South Sudan, the consequences will be severe. As the second leg approaches, all eyes will be on Firat and his team to see if they can rise to the occasion and secure a crucial victory.
