Alila: Good luck Harambee Stars, but...

Alila, a former FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) member representing Nyanza Region, feels Kenya threw away a golden opportunity to start off the 2026 journey on a positive note, by conceding towards stoppage despite going to the break leading 1-0.

Having watched Gabon beat other group rivals Burundi away in Dar es Salaam - Tanzania to make it six points from two matches, Alila feels Stars are already allowing their competitors to fly above them in the campaign.

"I watched the match and I saw a team that was not well prepared. It was disheartening because a winning start or at least a draw would have sent a message we are up to something.

"However, tonight we expect a win and nothing less, if really we are to continue talking about World Cup 2026," Alila told Citizen Digital.

He is concerned that Kenya could be forced to stage her home matches away from home next year in the same campaign, another weak link he thinks could further hinder the USA, Canada and Mexico dream.

"Look, I wish the team all the best against Seychelles, that's for sure - because we have to be patriots. However, I'm already thinking about the next matches, where are we hosting them? Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium should have been closed by now if the government's renovation plan had been effected. For a team struggling to do well away, it will be more damaging to take home matches away, as it is happening with Seychelles," he averred.

Kenya is set to host Burundi and Ivory Coast respectively in June 2024, in the second window of the qualifiers.

Burundi and Seychelles like Kenya have no FIFA approved stadia, and have been forced to host their first home matches away from home, in Dar es Salaam and Abidjan respectively.  

Poignantly, Alila is worried that Kenya seems to be stagnating in breeding fresh talent for the national team Harambee Stars.

"The coach has limited options and seems to be over-relying on specific players even when they fail, match after another. The problem is that we don't see players graduating from the youth teams to the senior team. This has to be dealt with, if they turn around the fortunes of the team," he argued.

About coaching, Alila has questions too.

"Where do we take all these local coaches who are graduating every now and then with CAF Bs and As? Why can't we have them take charge of our national team? Sometimes you need a person who appreciates who you are..."

Engin Firat has been constantly complaining about the quality of the local league, and also lack of 'goodwill' both from the government and the fans.  

Harambee Stars will take on Seychelles Monday night in Abidjan, a match Firat says is a must win after the disappointing start in Franceville, Gabon.  

"All the time we have to support the team, we only accept we lost only when we lose and at such a time, we make our observations open," Alila concluded.