Kenya's national mens soccer team Harambee Stars missed out yet again on the intercontinental showpiece that kicks off in Russia on the 14th of June.
It is every player's dream to grace the prestigious competition but poor starts and wayward finishing has meant Kenya is yet to kick a ball at the World Cup.
Let's take a look at the strongest eleven that Kenya would have fielded in Russia had the team qualified for the finals.
Goalkeeper; Boniface Oluoch, Gor Mahia
This is a crucial position in the team set up and we shall go with the experienced K'Ogalo custodian who by far edges out another worthy competitor in Patrick Matasi.
Oluoch has been an ever present squad member in Gor's goal and was the standout performer in Gor Mahia’s invincible season two seasons ago. He has managed the highest number of clean sheets in this season's KPL top-flight. He is therefore entrusted to keep out shots.
Left back; Musa Mohammed, FK Tirana
The left back will be filled by utility defender Mohammed who plies his trade in Sweden. He has had his lows and highs playing for Tirana but he is a very reliable player in national team colours. He edges out the inexperienced Ismael Athuman of Fuenlabrada.
Center back; David Ochieng, IF Brommapojkarna
Former Gor man Ochieng will play as the left-sided center back in this team set up. He won the KPL with Gor and has a vast experience in handling stubborn attackers.
Center back; Eric Ouma, Kolkheti-1913 poti
Eric Ouma fills this position majorly because of his ability to stay calm during difficult situations. His ability to read the game while playing at the back is also a plus for the team. He is fast and witty. He can be relied on to undo attacks.
Right Back; Wesley Onguso, Sofapaka
The right back position will be filled by the ever-reliable Sofapaka man. He has an exceptional ability to initiate attacks from a defensive position as well as an eye for goal. Collins Shivachi of Tusker misses out narrowly but will be a worthy backup.
Defensive Midfield; Victor Wanyama, Tottenham
Captain Wanyama makes the cut here with little competition. The dynamic midfielder has been a reliable member of the English side's squad when fit. He is exceptionally gifted and can initiate an attack within an instant. He will be trusted with keeping out stubborn wingers.
Central Midfield; Osborn Monday
We shall go with the veteran midfielder in this position to add more dynamism to the side as well as experience. His cool games will be relied on heavily especially when playing counter-attacking sides.
Right wing; John Makwatta, Buildcom
The pacy 26-year-old will be a worthy member of the squad. His speed and wit with or without the ball are decent qualities required for all games and will need to be fit always. He has an exceptional game-changing instinct as well.
Secondary striker; Paul Were
The reliable striker edges out Allan Wanga as the supporting striker. His strength and stamina enable him to falk back down to the midfield to collect balls and feed them to the wingers to initiate attacks.
Left wing; Francis Kahata, Gor Mahia
The versatile Kahata is the man to take up this position. His pace and game-changing capabilities put him a class above any other squad members. He has the ability to trouble any defender in the world.
Center Forward; Michael Olunga
The strong forward who turned out for Spanish outfit Girona in the just concluded season unsurprisingly takes up this position. His ability to score goals from any angle of the goal mouth means he is entrusted to lead the line.
The most suitable formation would be a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation with the lone striker getting a three-way strike back-up.