By Onyangor248@gmail.com
Thursday, October 3rd
As Kenya prepares for a pivotal encounter against Cameroon, Harambee stars head coach Firat has unveiled an exciting 28-man squad that combines local talent with overseas professionals. This strategic selection marks a significant step in the team’s quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The announcement comes as the team faces heightened expectations following the absence of key players in recent matches. Notably, Captain Michael Olunga is making a highly anticipated return after missing last month’s World Cup Qualifiers match against Zimbabwe and Namibia. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess will be essential as Kenya looks to secure a crucial victory in the first leg on October 11th.
Firats squad reflects his vision of blending youthful energy with seasoned experience. The inclusion of emerging local talents alongside established professionals illustrates a commitment to fostering a competitive and cohesive unit. With players from various leagues coming together, Harambee Stars aim to build on their past performances and advance to the continental tournament.
The team will enter a residential camp starting October 4th, allowing the players to focus on their preparations for the upcoming fixture. This concentrated training period is crucial, as the coaching staff will work to instill tactical discipline and unity among the players, ensuring they are ready to face a formidable opponent like Cameroon.
The stakes are high for harambee Stars, as their performance in these qualifiers will not only determine their path to AFCON but also shape the future of Kenya football on the continental stage. The combination of Olungas’ return and the strategic squad selection embody Firats ambition to build a resilient team capable of competing at the highest level.
As the countdown to the match begins, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this carefully curetted squad can deliver the results needed to reignite Kenya’s football aspirations. The future looks promising, but it will ultimately be the players on the pitch who determine the game.
Kenya provisional squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)
Defenders: Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe ( Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa ( Abha ), Collins Sichenje (Vijvodina), Joseph Okumu (Remis). Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow)
Midfielders: David Odoyo(Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada( Dundee United), John Ochieng ( Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
Forwards: John Avire ( El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail), Jonah Ayunga(St. Mirren), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale( AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK)
By Onyangor248@gmail.com