Kenya’s Harambee Stars suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to South Sudan in the first leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) first-round qualifiers at Juba National Stadium. The loss highlights the team’s lack of preparation, as coach Engin Firat’s men struggled to match the Bright Stars in the second half.
Despite being guaranteed a spot in the tournament as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Harambee Stars participated in the qualifiers and paid the price for a hastily assembled squad with minimal practice sessions. The team’s lack of cohesion and sharpness was evident, as South Sudan capitalized on Kenya’s disjointed play to secure victory.
Second-Half Surge Seals South Sudan’s Win
After a goalless first half, South Sudan broke the deadlock through Ezibon Malish, who headed in a goal five minutes after the break. Yohanna Paulino then added a second in the 68th minute, sealing the win for the Bright Stars and giving them a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.
Kenya, meanwhile, failed to respond with any meaningful threat, and their offensive struggles continued throughout the game. The only notable attempt came from an Austine Odhiambo free-kick, which was blocked early in the first half, leaving Harambee Stars without a clear plan to counter South Sudan’s pressure.
Firat’s Men Face Uphill Task in Return Leg
The result leaves Harambee Stars with an uphill task in the return leg, scheduled for Sunday, November 3, at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. With South Sudan now holding a two-goal advantage, Kenya must find a way to bounce back and overturn the deficit if they are to advance to the final round of the qualifiers.
Coach Firat, who is on a three-game losing streak, acknowledged the challenges before the match, stating that the encounter felt “like a friendly with no pressure.” This sentiment, however, seemed to reflect in the team’s lethargic display. Firat will now need to regroup his squad quickly to avoid a second consecutive defeat to a team ranked 66 places below them in the FIFA rankings.
Road Ahead: Redemption or Elimination?
Kenya’s chances of progressing in the CHAN qualifiers now hinge on their ability to perform in the second leg. The aggregate winner will face either Rwanda or Djibouti in the final qualification round. For Harambee Stars, the upcoming match represents not only a chance for redemption but also an opportunity to restore their reputation after back-to-back losses to South Sudan over the past year.
Football fans across Kenya will be hoping that Harambee Stars can find their form in time for the crucial second leg. With the odds stacked against them, the team’s resilience will be tested, and a strong performance will be needed to keep their qualification hopes alive.
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