Stars friendlies with Uganda, DR Congo set for Nyayo

The national team Harambee Stars will play two friendly matches against Uganda and DR Congo in March 22 and March 26 preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers gather momentum.

The unavailability of the Moi Sports International Center Kasarani for use following its closure for renovation had left the ties limbo but Football Kenya Federation (FKF) on Wednesday set Nyayo National Stadium as the tentative venue.

“The two friendlies are in preparation for the 2019 AFCON qualifiers, away to Sierra Leone scheduled to be played in June this year,” a communiqué sent from the federation read.

In the reverse fixtures played on away soil, First Coach Stanley Okumbi guided the Stars to a famous 1-0 win over DR Congo in Kinshasa before holding neighbours Uganda to a barren draw in Kampala.

Unbeaten in his last eight matches, Okumbi is currently enjoying his best managerial run yet with the national team after enduring a forgettable start that had local football faithful calling for his resignation.

The Stars have been will face Ghana, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone in the battle for the one Group F slot for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

A total of 51 teams entered the tournament, including Cameroon who qualified automatically for the final tournament by virtue of being hosts.

The draw for the qualifications stage was held earlier in January Libreville, Gabon.