Kenya vs Eritrea (Afcon 2027 Qualifier: Group D)
[Nyayo Stadium, Saturday, 4pm]
Harambee Stars begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with more than three points on the line, an old score to settle.
Eritrea have long been an uncomfortable opponent for Kenya, memorably stunning the Stars 2-1 in Nairobi during the 2008 Afcon qualifiers before completing the double with a 1-0 victory in Asmara.
Those results turned the Red Sea Camels into one of Kenya’s most frustrating regional rivals.
But this meeting is a different chapter.
Backed by a packed Nyayo crowd, Benni McCarthy’s side is steadily building a competitive identity ahead of the 2027 continental show, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
While Kenya is already qualified, the emphasis of the qualifiers will be creating a team capable of challenging Africa’s elite on home soil.
Stars come into the tie buoyed by a rampant 4-0 dispatching of Lesotho in an international friendly match played in South Africa in June.
Eritrea arrive with momentum after edging past Eswatini in the preliminary round, 2-0 in the first leg and 2-1 in the reverse fixture.
However, off-field disruptions, including the defection of several domestic players earlier this year, have complicated their preparations.
Prediction: Kenya 1- 0 Eritrea
England vs Spain (Uefa Nations League: League A Group 3)
[Wembley Stadium, Saturday, 9.45 pm]
Fresh off their magnificent 2026 Fifa World Cup triumph in July, Luis de la Fuente’s men travel to England for their opening Uefa Nations League, League A Group 3 fixture against the hosts.
Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions enter the Nations League wounded by the withdrawal of key players including Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, losses that rob England of creativity, control and midfield balance.
Their defensive record is equally concerning, with no clean sheet in their last five outings.
Spain, meanwhile, continue to look like international football’s benchmark. The Euro 2024 champions and 2026 World Cup winners are unbeaten in 18 matches.
Luis de la Fuente’s side remains a beautifully coordinated machine, with Lamine Yamal capable of turning any game in an instant.
Prediction: England 1-2 Spain
Norway vs Portugal (Uefa Nations League: League A Group 4)
[Ullevaal Stadion, Sunday, 9.45pm]
Few fixtures promise as much attacking firepower as Norway welcoming Portugal’s star-studded squad this weekend.
Norway have emerged with renewed belief after an impressive World Cup campaign and their direct, high-intensity approach makes them especially dangerous in Oslo.
Earling Haaland will once again be the focal point of everything they do.
Portugal, however, remain one of Europe’s deepest outfits. Under Jorge Jesus, the reigning Nations League champions possess the experience and tactical discipline to punish even the smallest defensive lapse, particularly away from home.
This has all the ingredients of a thrilling, evenly matched contest.
Prediction: Norway 3-2 Portugal
by TEDDY MULEI
