The National Football Team Harambee Stars will kickstart their 2021 Africa Cup Of Nations qualifying campaign with a trip to face Egypt in Cairo on Thursday. The team will go into the fixture on the back of a five matches winless run that started in June at the African Cup Of Nations tournament.
Head coach Francis Kimanzi will have to make a few changes to his team against the Pharaohs. Below, we look at how they could line up.
Defense
After missing out last month against Mozambique, Patrick Matasi has been recalled into the squad and he could start in goal. Eric Ouma is the undisputed starter at left-back while Samuel Olwande from Kariobangi Sharks starts at right-back.
Joesph Okumu may have made a mistake in the loss to Mozambique in October but it is easy to see why he is the future of the Harambee Stars defense. The youngster should start at center back partnered by Harun Shakava.
Midfield
Victor Wanyama is the skipper of the team and will start in his preferred defensive midfield position. The Lion Of Muthurwa will be tasked with keeping the likes of Mohamed Elneny silent during the match.
Lawrence Juma has been instrumental for Gor Mahia this season and impressed in his last outing for the national team. He will partner Wanyama in a double pivot but with the license to roam forward.
In the attacking midfielder position, it has to be Gor Mahia Captain Kenneth Muguna.
Attack
Ayub Timbe has been a livewire every time he plays for the national team and the winger will most likely start in his preferred left-wing position. Erick Johanna has had his inconsistencies this year but will get one more chance to convince from the right-wing while Micheal Olunga will be looking to end his goal drought for the national team in the striker’s position.
Starting XI: 4-2-1-3: Matasi, Ouma, Olwande, Okumu, Shakava, Wanyama, Juma, Muguna, Omollo, Timbe, Olunga.