Harambee Stars bank on Olunga magic to beat Ethiopia

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga in action against Gor Mahia during their friendly match on July 1, 2015 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • The Ethiopian delegation arrived in the country Thursday afternoon, and during their training session Friday, head coach Yohannes Sahle lamented the “cold reception” accorded to them by the local federation.

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga has called for focus as the national team prepares to face Ethiopia in the return of their African Nations Championships (Chan) qualifier on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Bobby Williamson-led squad left themselves with a mountain to climb after a 2-0 loss in the reverse fixture, and they will now need a three-goal margin win to progress to the second round of the qualifiers.

“We have the advantage of having played the first match away, and so we have a better understanding of the opponents. They have some weaknesses which can be exploited and if we focus, we can be able to overturn the result,” the Gor Mahia striker said on Friday.

The 21-year-old forward also called upon fans to turn up in large numbers in support of the team, saying that the presence of the 12th man could play a significant role in the outcome of the match.

“Whenever we play away we usually play before so many opposing fans. It would be good to also be good to have the fans on our side at home,” he said.

Olunga, whose is the current Kenyan Premier League top scorer with 11 goals, is expected to spearhead Stars attack in today’s match with support from Tusker striker Jesse Were.

The team, which will be captained by Gor Mahia midfielder Collins ‘Gattusso’ Okoth, has been promised a Sh200,000 cash reward by former Youth Fund boss Evans Gor Semelang'o should they beat the Walya Antelopes at Nyayo.

DEFENSIVE CHANGES

Williamson is expected to tweak his defence, which has been criticised for a below par performance in the last two games, with the inclusion of Thika United skipper Dennis Odhiambo.

Odhiambo is set to start at left-back ahead of Aboud Omar, with the Gor Mahia duo of Harun Shakava and Musa Mohammed likely to replace Jackson Saleh and Lloyd Wahome in the starting lineup. Edwin Wafula (AFC Leopards) and goalkeeper Boniface Oluoch are set to retain their positions.

Comorian referees from Ali Mohammed Adelaid (centre), Soulaimane Amaladine (first assistant), Hamadi Houssein Ibrahim (second assistant) and Noiret Bacari (reserve referee) will take charge of the match, with Kayijuka Gaspard from Rwanda being the Match Commissioner for the day.

The Ethiopian delegation arrived in the country Thursday afternoon, and during their training session yesterday, head coach Yohannes Sahle lamented the “cold reception” accorded to them by the local federation.

“We expected better treatment but the hospitality we have been treated to is not the best. We shall however remain focused and play for a win,” he said.