Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat lived up to his promise of taking advantage of Namibia’s offensive qualities as his side secured a morale-boosting 2-1 victory on Tuesday.

Kenya put up a great counterattacking display to claim all three points in the 2025 World Cup qualifier to move to the top of Group J on four points.

The win came after Firat had hinted at using the approach even before Namibia played their opening game against Cameroon.

Firat was certain that if Namibia lost, then it could be a little easier for his team, as he would expect the Brave Warriors to play an open game which would allow his side to hit them on the break.

It is what happened as Namibia lost 1-0 and played offensively in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Knowing this would happen, Firat went with a lineup that would stretch Namibia, discarding the more defensive approach employed against Zimbabwe on Friday.

John Avire was brought in particular for his ability to stretch the opponent while Johan Ayunga partnered him upfront.

The two forwards were instructed not to play narrow but rather stay wide and with Ayunga’s good hold-up play and Avire’s pace, they were able to capitalise on the gaps left behind by the Namibians.

Firat also gave his full-backs Amos Nondi and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma the freedom to bomb forward whenever an opportunity arose and with their pace, they were crucial to the win.

Avire gave Kenya the lead via a brilliant freekick after some good movements before the goal and played a huge part in the second.

As Namibia went to attack a corner, they failed to utilise it and the ball fell to Avire who turned it over to Ouma, who was already on his bike.

The full-back showed great pace before squaring the ball to Duke Abuya to slam home the second as their opponents were outnumbered at the back.

Harambee Stars should have found a third one soon after when Marcelo started another counter attack, the ball falling to Abuya but the midfielder was not able to connect well as a great opportunity slipped away.

In the end, Firat will feel happy that his players executed his plan and will be thankful that Namibia allowed them to play to their strengths, although their next opponents Cameroon will present a different challenge in October.

'It won't be nice for Cameroon!' - Harambee Stars coach fires warning to Indomitable Lions

Engin Firat has revealed one key factor that could help his charges shock Cameroon in October after they moved to the top of Group J of their AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is optimistic that his team can put up a strong performance against Cameroon in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. 

Kenya, fresh off a 2-1 victory over Namibia, now tops Group J as they prepare for their double-header against the Indomitable Lions in October.

The triumph over Namibia at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, lifted Kenya to four points, level with Cameroon, who were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Kampala, Uganda. With the race for qualification to the tournament in Morocco wide open, the October fixtures against Cameroon will be pivotal for both teams.

Firat, despite missing key players like captain Michael Olunga due to injury, is confident that Kenya can rise to the occasion and challenge the group favourites. Speaking after the win, Firat assured fans that his team would be fully prepared for Cameroon.

“If we have a full squad, then it will not be nice for Cameroon, I promise,” Firat boldly stated, signaling his belief that Kenya has what it takes to cause an upset.

The coach also addressed criticism that has been aimed at him in recent months, particularly from former coaches and pundits. Kenya’s winless run prior to the Namibia match had intensified scrutiny of Firat’s methods.

Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, criticised Firat for not starting a natural striker in their opening match against Zimbabwe, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Additionally, last June, Sportsboom reported that James Nandwa, another former Kenya coach, called for Firat’s dismissal.

Firat hit back at his detractors, explaining that Kenya had faced several challenges leading up to the Namibia match, including a lack of full preparation and the absence of key players.

"We had so many missing players and I cannot say that our preparation was really well. If you look at the history, Kenya has always been losing here,” Firat remarked, emphasising the significance of the win under difficult circumstances.

“This is also my message to the people of Kenya because some players have been losing always but still they talk so for us, it was very important even with our situation.”

While Firat was pleased with the victory, he acknowledged Namibia's strength and discipline as a team, noting that they presented a real challenge to Harambee Stars.

“Namibia is a very well-trained team, they are very disciplined and have some good players offensively, but everything has gone well except for the first goal which was not planned,” Firat admitted.

The coach was happy with the overall performance but made it clear that the focus would now shift to preparing for Cameroon.

“We are happy but now we will focus on the next match,” Firat concluded.

With Kenya and Cameroon tied on points, the October clashes between the two nations are expected to be decisive in determining who secures a ticket to the AFCON finals in Morocco. Firat will be hoping to have his full squad available for selection as he looks to build on the momentum from the Namibia win and silence his critics once and for all.

Harambee Stars: How Engin Firat took advantage of Namibia’s flaws to hand Kenya morale-boosting win

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat fielded his team with a view to taking advantage of Namibia’s flaws and got it right as Kenya tamed the Brave Warriors in Johannesburg.

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat lived up to his promise of taking advantage of Namibia’s offensive qualities as his side secured a morale-boosting 2-1 victory on Tuesday.

Kenya put up a great counterattacking display to claim all three points in the 2025 World Cup qualifier to move to the top of Group J on four points.

The win came after Firat had hinted at using the approach even before Namibia played their opening game against Cameroon.

Firat was certain that if Namibia lost, then it could be a little easier for his team, as he would expect the Brave Warriors to play an open game which would allow his side to hit them on the break.

It is what happened as Namibia lost 1-0 and played offensively in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Knowing this would happen, Firat went with a lineup that would stretch Namibia, discarding the more defensive approach employed against Zimbabwe on Friday.

John Avire was brought in particular for his ability to stretch the opponent while Johan Ayunga partnered him upfront.

The two forwards were instructed not to play narrow but rather stay wide and with Ayunga’s good hold-up play and Avire’s pace, they were able to capitalise on the gaps left behind by the Namibians.

Firat also gave his full-backs Amos Nondi and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma the freedom to bomb forward whenever an opportunity arose and with their pace, they were crucial to the win.

Avire gave Kenya the lead via a brilliant freekick after some good movements before the goal and played a huge part in the second.

As Namibia went to attack a corner, they failed to utilise it and the ball fell to Avire who turned it over to Ouma, who was already on his bike.

The full-back showed great pace before squaring the ball to Duke Abuya to slam home the second as their opponents were outnumbered at the back.

Harambee Stars should have found a third one soon after when Marcelo started another counter attack, the ball falling to Abuya but the midfielder was not able to connect well as a great opportunity slipped away.

In the end, Firat will feel happy that his players executed his plan and will be thankful that Namibia allowed them to play to their strengths, although their next opponents Cameroon will present a different challenge in October.

For Mila Pulse Sport

~DAN~