In a remarkable turn of events, Kenya, long renowned for its athletic prowess but not typically associated with football success, has emerged as one of Africa’s most watched teams. This transformation can be attributed to the appointment of Engin Firat as the new Head Coach, marking a significant shift in Kenya’s football landscape.
The journey began amidst challenges, with Kenya enduring a 500-day FIFA ban that halted their game activities. Firat faced the daunting task of rebuilding the national team from scratch. Despite initial skepticism due to Kenya’s football infrastructure lagging behind other African nations, Firat’s leadership quickly turned the tide.
Under Firat’s guidance, Kenya achieved unprecedented milestones. They secured their first international cup victory outside the country and clinched a historic 5-0 win against Seychelles in an official away game. Firat’s record-breaking streak continued with five away victories within a year, a feat unmatched in Kenya’s football history.
During a remarkable run of 11 matches, with 10 played away, Kenya boasted a commendable 55% win rate, including notable encounters against football giants Qatar, Iran, and Russia. These matchups marked a significant elevation for Kenya, as they had seldom faced such formidable opponents on the global stage.
Despite a recent setback against Kuwait, where Kenya suffered a 5-0 defeat, Firat’s impact was evident in their subsequent triumph against Asia Champion Qatar with a scoreline of 2-1 in an away fixture.
With a youthful squad, Kenya’s potential shines brightly, especially with the upcoming Afcon 2027 tournament set to be hosted in Kenya. The team’s promising trajectory suggests they are poised to make waves in African football and beyond under Firat’s strategic leadership.