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Firat has called up Ryan Ogam to the Harambee Stars set up as they prepare for their return leg fixture against South Sudan in the 2025 CHAN qualifiers.
Harambee Stars boss Engin Firat has drafted on-fire Tusker striker Ryan Ogam into the national team squad for their return leg against South Sudan in the ongoing 2025 Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifiers.
Stars, who will be hosting the return leg at the Nelson Mandela International Stadium in Naambole, Uganda, were trounced 2-0 by South Sudan in Juba in the first leg, and will be hoping for redemption during their rematch.
Ogam has been on fire for Tusker since joining during the off season, scoring five league goals so far, including two during their dramatic 3-2 loss to KCB in Murang’a last Saturday.
Despite having only two training sessions before the first leg, Harambee Stars were unable to handle the Bright Stars’ pressure in Juba, where second-half goals from Ezibon Malish and Yohanna Paulino secured victory for the hosts.
Firat, who had downplayed the match's stakes by comparing it to a “friendly with no pressure,” is now under the spotlight, with his side facing the possibility of elimination in the qualifiers.
The second leg offers a chance for Firat to recalibrate his approach. In Juba, he opted for AFC Leopards forward Sydney Lokale as his starting striker, while Victor Omune was another option on the bench.
However, the addition of Ogam promises a fresh dynamic in attack, potentially giving Kenya the offensive boost they need to overturn the deficit. Firat’s ultimate aim remains to shape a competitive squad ahead of the main tournament, and Ogam’s call-up is a testament to this vision.
When joining Tusker, Ogam expressed his ambitions, stating, “I want to help the team achieve its objectives and score as many goals and register as many assists as possible.” With his inclusion in the Harambee Stars squad, he now has the opportunity to make an impact on the national stage.
The aggregate winner will move on to the second round of CHAN qualifiers, facing either Rwanda or Djibouti. For Firat and his men, the match on 3 November is a statement of resilience and a bid to restore confidence in Kenyan football.
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