Marcelo vs Minteh: The battle that will determine Harambee Stars match against Gambia

Harambee Stars’ dream of playing in the 2026 World Cup for the first time ever in their history faces the toughest test in the upcoming qualifier matches as the Benni McCarthy- coached side settle scores with The Gambia and Gabon.

While it won’t be smooth-sailing for all the three teams considering the tough nature and the number of points accrued so far by each team, the match against The Gambia is a must-win for Harambee Stars in order to get McCarthy’s era to a flying start.

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Amidst the hype and anxiety that has engulfed the local scene following the appointment of the South African a fortnight ago, the match will be determined by key battles. Harambee Stars left back Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma will come up against probably one of the most in-form wingers who plies trade in England with Brighton and Hove Albion in Yankub Minteh. brings you everything you need to know about the battle.

Masoud Juma and Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy have a unique understanding that can help unlock Kenya's World Cup dream.

Both Marcelo and Minteh are blessed with pace and skill. Minteh is a nightmare for defenders because of his magical left foot that has made it hard for defenders to man-mark him during matches. In one-vs-one situations, Minteh, 20, is more dangerous.

Minteh made Chelsea’s Mac Cucurella look ordinary. Everytime the dazzling winger had the ball on his feet in Brighton’s 3-0 win against Chelsea on February 14, Cucurella was left either kissing the ground or chasing shadows. Marcelo must be strong mentally to prepare thoroughly on how to nullify Minteh’s impact. Marcelo  needs help from the winger who is playing on the left so that he doubles down on Minteh.

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Marcelo on his part, is a threat going forward. Give him space to overlap and make runs into the opposition box and you will regret. When in possession, he is  the most threatening wingback on transition. His crisp, pinpoint crosses will be aimed at Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga in the box, and this will help bring others into pla.

This might force Minteh to shoulder the defensive duties when Kenya sees more of the ball. This season with Rakow Czestochowa, Marcelo has made 21 appearances, scored once and provided three assists, thanks to the expansive style that suits his qualities. Minteh boasts of five goals and three assists so far after becoming regular in the side since february.

Marcelo should not allow Minteh to weep in crosses. Even though with Joseph Okumu at the back Kenya look assured, any defensive lapse from Minteh’s cross could be costly.

Minteh tends to shift into the No.10 role occasionally and his unpredictable movements means he can unlock even the meanest of defenses. The Stars defensive midfielder must keep close tabs in this situation.

Both teams are set for a tactical approach, likely to witness less attacking forays. However, with McCarthy promising Kenyans that Harambee Stars is set for an exciting, attacking brand of football, he needs to craft a strategy to nullify the opposition’s strength and stopping Minteh might just be so precious.