As many men’s club football leagues are on break, clubs across the world have allowed their called-up players to go and represent their countries in different international FIFA matches from friendlies World Cup qualifiers to other international continental competitions. After FIFA lifted the ban imposed on Kenya after the government interfered with the running of the football governing body – Football Kenya Federation -, Kenya is back on the international stage in the men’s football competitions. Over this international break, Kenya’s men’s football team better known as Harambee Stars is scheduled to play two matches – against Qatar in Doha on the 7th of September 2023 and South Sudan in Nairobi on the 12th of September 2023.
On Thursday 7th September 2023, Harambee Stars emerged 2-1 victorious against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar in their international friendly played at the Al Janoub Stadium in Doha. Harambee Stars opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Kenneth Muguna delivered a corner kick into the box, finding Joseph Okumu’s head, who skillfully 
headed it into the net, giving Kenya the lead. Qatar equalized in the 34th minute when Hassan Al-Haydos converted home a penalty. The first half ended draw 1-1 and Harambee Stars had to wait till the 91st minute when Captain Olunga orchestrated a brilliant assist to Amos Nondi, who netted the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory. Harambee Stars will now head back to Kenya on Friday, September 8, 2023, to continue preparations for their match against South Sudan on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at MISC Kasarani, 4 pm.
Starting XI:- Byrne Odhiambo (GK), Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Eric Ouma, Daniel Anyembe, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Masud Juma, Elvis Rupia, Michael Olunga.
Substitutes:- Ian Otieno, Patrick Matasi, Collins Sichenje, Brian Mandela, Amos Nondi, Abud Omar, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Ayub Masika, Alfred Scriven, Clarke Oduor, Moses Shummah