Olunga: Harambee Stars skipper explains why he expects tough encounter against Malawi

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga anticipates a challenging match against Malawi in the semi-finals of the Four Nations Tournament, citing their previous encounters as indicators of the tough battle ahead.

The two teams are set to face off on Saturday at 6:00 p.m., with Olunga emphasizing the competitive nature of their past meetings.

Harambee Stars H2H

Out of the last 11 encounters between Kenya and Malawi, Kenya has secured three victories, while four matches have ended in draws, and Malawi has emerged victorious in four.

Reflecting on their recent encounters, Olunga highlights that two out of the last three matches have resulted in draws, with Kenya clinching one victory in their most recent meeting in 2018.

Drawing from this history, Olunga expects a closely contested match and believes that their previous clashes offer insights into the intensity and competitiveness that can be anticipated in the upcoming encounter.

"As Kenya, we are prepared to face hosts Malawi. It is going to be an exciting and entertaining game. If you look at the history between the two teams it is always a close contest, it has been a difference of one goal in the last last three games. There have been two draws and one win for Kenya so we expect nothing short of a tightly contested game.

"Despite the setbacks we have had, we are ready to participate and the team is ready to face the hosts," Olunga stated.

Harambee Stars, held a light training session on Friday afternoon, hours after they arrived in Malawi for a four-nation tournament.

The arrival in camp of AFC Leopards left-back Vincent Mahiga and Gor Mahia winger Sharif Musa has boosted the Harambee Stars camp.

The duo were called up late to camp in place of Abud Omar and Eric Johanna who were released on Thursday morning.

The third-place playoff and finals have been scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the same venue.

The competition was organized to prepare for the participating teams for the upcoming international assignments.

Harambee Stars Final Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno, Byrne Omondi, Patrick Matasi

Defenders

Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje,Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Geoffrey Ochieng, Vincent Mahiga

Midfielders

Chrispine Erambo, Richard Odada, Kenneth Muguna, Kaycie Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Anthony Akumu,  Shariff Musa

Forwards

Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, John Avire