Kenya vs Russia
International Friendly
Monday
16th October 2023
Mardan Stadyumu
The most comprehensive preview and detailed analysis of the International Friendly fixture between Kenya and Russia.
Kenya vs Russia: Preview
Kenya form analysis
Harambee Stars have had mixed results in their last 5 matches. In March, they impressed by beating IR Iran 1-2 away in a friendly thanks to a Michael Olunga goal. However June brought two disappointing 1-0 defeats – first against Pakistan in a friendly, then away to Mauritius in AFCON qualifying. Despite these setbacks, Kenya bounced back with a fine 1-2 win over Qatar in another friendly in September, coming from behind to win it late through Anthony Obiero. But their inconsistency returned last month as they lost 0-1 at home to South Sudan in qualifying.
Overall Kenya have struggled for consistent results and their qualifying campaign has stalled after the early loss to Mauritius. Defensively they remain prone to lapses, conceding in 4 of their last 5 games. Olunga’s goals are a positive but Kenya relies heavily on his finishing to salvage results.
Coach Engin Firat has work to do to fix Kenya’s issues at the back and build a more solid all-around team structure. Their counter-attacking style has delivered some highs but also inconsistent performances. Kenya have the potential but need to find more stability to revive their World Cup qualifying hopes.
Russia form analysis
Russia have shown solid form in their last 5 matches overall. In March they beat Iraq 2-0 comfortably in a friendly thanks to goals from Anton Miranchuk and Sergei Pinyaev. After a lengthy gap, they returned to action in September for two friendlies against Egypt’s U23 team. The first finished 1-1 after Sergey Oganesyan’s equalizer. The second saw Russia take the lead through a Pinyaev penalty but eventually lose 2-1.
Most recently, Russia drew 1-1 with Qatar in another friendly last month. Aleksandr Soldatenkov earned them a late point after going behind. Russia seem to be building under new manager Valery Karpin, with a 1-0 win over Cameroon earlier this month proving they can grind out results too.
Overall Russia have shown resilience and organization even if offensive fluidity is still a work in progress. The emergence of young talents like Oganesyan provides optimism, while experienced leaders like Yuri Zhirkov add stability. There is room for improvement in attack but Russia seem to be heading in the right direction under Karpin.
