Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat names squad to face Cameroon in AFCON Qualifiers
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his provisional squad for the crucial upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon, scheduled to be played between October 7th and 15th, 2024.
The Harambee Stars against Cameroon return leg match will be played behind closed doors at Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda following the closure of Kenya’s stadiums.
Coach Firat has assembled a 28-man squad, combining local-based talents and foreign professionals, in preparation for the double-header against Cameroon.
Captain Michael Olunga, who continues his prolific form with Al-Duhail in Qatar will lead the charges for Kenya as he headlines the foreign-based players line-up. Other foreign based players in the squad include defender Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Alfred Scriven, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Richard Odada, who plies his trade with Dundee United.
Among the domestic players included are Gor Mahia’s quintet of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo. Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi’s Bonface Muchiri also made the cut. Notably, Tusker FC midfielder David Odoyo receives his first senior national team call-up, while AFC Leopards’ Sydney Lokale returns to the fold after a prolonged absence.
The first leg of the double-header is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, followed by the return leg on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. The second match in Kampala will be played behind closed doors.
These fixtures will be pivotal for Kenya’s campaign to qualify for the prestigious continental tournament in Morocco.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), 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 (Vojvodina), Joseph Okumu (Reims), 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)
Forwards
John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK), Bonface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)
