The Harambee Stars prepare for the match against Gambia on March 20, 2025, at a neutral venue. Coach McCarthy, who recently took charge, expresses confidence in the squad’s potential and emphasizes teamwork. Despite key player absences, the team is dedicated to securing victory. The traveling squad features a mix of experienced and young players.
The Harambee Stars are prepared to face off against Gambia on March 20, 2025, at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Ivory Coast. This match will take place at a neutral venue due to FIFA and CAF not yet approving Gambia’s home ground for significant matches.
Head coach, McCarthy, who took charge on March 12, has conducted his assessment of the squad and expressed optimism regarding the players’ capabilities. He has particularly noted the promising talent among the younger players, indicating their readiness to perform on the international stage.
During his first training session, McCarthy emphasized the importance of fostering connections among the team and understanding the players’ strengths. Although the players exhibited initial nerves, he commended their strong performance during this training. “It was nice for me to get to know them better and for them to understand my coaching style,” he remarked.
Despite the absence of some pivotal players, McCarthy is resolute in assembling a competitive squad. He stated, “We understand the significance of this match. We’ll make it difficult for our opponents. What matters is that we have a hardworking group that’s focused on winning.”
The traveling squad for Harambee Stars includes:
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo.
Defenders: Jonestone Omurwa, Brian Mandela, Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Ronny Onyango.
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Ismael Gonzalez, Timothy Ouma, Eric Johana, Duke Abuya, Mohammed Bajaber, Ben Stanley Omondi.
Forwards: Masud Juma, Jonah Ayunga, Elvis Rupia, John Avire, Michael Olunga.
In summary, the Harambee Stars are gearing up for a promising encounter against Gambia, with a focus on leveraging their emerging talent despite missing some key players. Coach McCarthy is optimistic about the team’s potential and is working diligently to instill a winning mentality. The upcoming match marks an important opportunity for the team to demonstrate their capabilities on an international platform.
Original Source: nairobiwire.com
