Predicting Harambee Stars’ starting XI in Four-Nations final

Harambee Stars will be back in the Four-Nations action when they take on Zimbabwe at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday, March 2, 2024.

After starting a rather strong but visibly defensive starting XI against Malawi in the semi-final, fans will be keen on how head coach Engin Firat will field his team against the Warriors.

Kenya managed a big 4-0 win over Malawi in the semi-final while Zimbabwe defeated Zambia in the penalty shoutout following a 2-2 draw. The Warriors managed a slender 6-5 win over Chipolopolo in the shootout to set the date with the East Africans.

Meanwhile, Patrick Matasi, who saved a penalty and made a number of crucial saves, is expected to be fielded in goal. Ian Otieno and Bryne Odhiambo, who missed a number of club actions recently due to an injury, are expected to be benched again.

Firat's defensive unit is expected  to be fielded by Daniel Anyembe and Vincent Mahiga as fullbacks while Joseph Okumu and Jonstone Omurwa take duties at the heart of the defence.

The Omurwa-Okumu partnership looks promising but will face another test today when they come up against the Warriors. It is a chance for Okumu to face his Stade de Reims teammate,  Marshall Munetsi.

Mahiga, who made his debut against Malawi following his late addition to the squad, will hope to have another strong outing as he aims for a permanent slot in the Harambee Stars' set up.

Muguna in, Erambo benched

In the semi-final, Firat preffered to deploy a defensive unit that comprised of Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, and Chrispine Erambo. Given that he will need an experienced attacking minded star in this section, Kenneth Muguna should be Firat's top option.

The Kenya Police midfielder started on the bench with Tusker's Erambo making his debut. The two should swap positions with the debutant coming in later on in the game, depending on how the game will be, of course.

Michael Olunga, with four goals for Harambee Stars in the last two games, is expected to lead the goal exploration mission. The brace against the Flames should motivate the captain to go for more when he faces Zimbabwe.

Gor Mahia's Ronney Onyango and Ayub Timbe are expected to keep their places in the attacking department as supporting cast to Olunga.

Head-to-head stats

Harambee Stars have met with the COSAFA nation five times before with four games ending in draws. In the other game, Kenya lost. They last met in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in a game that ended in a stalemate.

Probable starting XI: Patrick Matasi, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe, Vincent Mahiga, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Kenneth Muguna, Ronney Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga

Subs: Ian Otieno, Bryne Odhiambo, Amos Nondi, Sharif Musa, Alphonse Ouma, Kayci Otieno, Chrispine Erambo, John Avire, Benson Omala, Collins Sichenje, Geoffrey Okoth, Jonah Ayunga