Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has expressed optimism ahead of the duel against 2018 World Cup hosts Russia when the two meet for an international friendly match scheduled for Monday, 7 pm kickoff.

The friendly match is part of Harambee Stars' preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers that are scheduled to start in November.

The Turkish tactician said he expects his charges to give a good account of themselves.

“We have done our work and we are ready for the match. We will do our best to make the people in Kenya proud,” the gaffer said.

The gaffer however noted that Russia will prove a hard nut to crack after their sublime performance against five-time Africa Cup of Nations winners Cameroon.

Russia is currently placed at position 39 in the Fifa men’s ranking whereas Kenya sits at position 109.

“Russia is a very tough team. You saw it against Cameroon and how easily they won. They could even win high in this match. So we expect a tough match,” Firat said.

Russia played Cameroon last Thursday at the Dinamo Lev Yashin Stadium in Moscow where they won 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Fyodor Chalov.

Firat further added that the intensity of international friendly matches was high further citing that the squad needed more time so it could click.

“The intensity and tempo which we have in international matches is different and challenging and so this squad needs more time, but I also think they have worked really well so we will do our best,” he added.

Kenya has played four international friendlies this year winning only once against 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.

Awin will be a much-needed boost ahead of the qualifiers.

Kenya is placed in Group ‘F’ alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles.  

The team will begin their quest to qualify for the 2026 quadrennial show with an away game against Gabon at Stade de Franceville on November 13.