Kenya’s Harambee Stars reaped four places up in the latest world FIFA Ranking following their success at the Four-Nations tournament trophy staged in Lilongwe, Malawi, during the FIFA series friendly tour on March 29.
Stars moved from position 111 to 107 and it can be attributed to the team’s superb showing in Malawi where they defeated the hosts Flames 4-0 in their opener before crushing Zimbabwe Warriors 3-1 in the final to win the tournament’s trophy.
This was Kenya’s first major trophy under coach Engin Firat, who took charge in 2021 following the exit of Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, and it was their first since 2017 when they lifted the Council of East and Central Africa (CECAFA) Senior Challenge Cup after defeating Zanzibar in the final on penalties in Machakos.
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Against Malawi, Kenya dominated the Flames despite playing at their backyard – Bingu Stadium – and it was captain Michael Olunga, who notched a brace before Ayub Timbe and John Avire sealed the win. Against Zimbabwe, it was birthday boy Olunga, who once again carried the day, notching a hat-trick to hand Kenya the trophy.
The outcome in Malawi was a morale booster for Kenya as they prepare for their upcoming Group F World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Ivory Coast in June. Kenya kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 defeat against Gabon before recovering to hammer Seychelles 5-0.
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