The 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match against Ghana in September will mark Harambee Stars’ return to renovated Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani for the first in close to two years.
In 2016, the Football Kenya Federation announced that the 60,000-seater venue will be the official home for the National teams. The teams, however, have been using Machakos Stadium for international matches following the closure of Kasarani in 2017 that saw the placement of a new playing surface.
The team was to make the long-awaited return to Kasarani in May during Sebastian Migne’s opening matches as the head coach of the team but they were moved to Machakos to allow the conclusion of the renovation. Harambee Stars last played at Kasarani in November 2016 during their 1-0 win over Liberia.
Under the tutelage of Stanley Okumbi, Stars never lost a match at Kasarani. They played five matches at the venue, won three and picked draws in two matches.
The venue has hosted Gor Mahia’s clashes against Hull City, USM Algiers, Yanga. It also hosted the Mashemeji Derby pitting AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia as well as the Slum Derby between Mathare United and Kariobangi Sharks.
Harambee Stars will be hoping for a positive result against Ghana to revive AFCON hopes. The team started off their AFCON qualification with a loss to Sierra Leone while Ghana beat Ethiopia 5-0. It will be an uphill task for Migne as Ghana have suffered just one loss in AFCON since 2009. The loss was against Uganda in 2014.
Last Five matches at Kasarani
Harambee Stars 1-1 Tanzania
Harambee Stars 1-1 Sudam
Harambee Stars 2-1 Congo
Harambee Stars 1-0 Mozambique
Harambee Stars 1-0 Liberia