Engin Firat has named Harambee Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers excluding Ayub Timbe and Daniel Anyembe
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named a provisional squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia with matches scheduled between September 2-10, 2024.
The squad features a robust mix of local talents and international players although notable absences include Ayub Timbe and Daniel Anyembe raising questions about their exclusion.
The team is set to confront Zimbabwe on Friday, September 6 at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Uganda followed by a face-off with Namibia in South Africa.
19:00 - 26.08.2024
Joseph Okumu's teammate headlines Zimbabwe's AFCON qualifier squad set to face Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars's opponents, Zimbabwe have reveal squad for AFCON qualifier in Uganda, featuring top players from European leagues, excluding veteran striker.
The foreign-based contingent is headlined by captain Michael Olunga who continues to be a pivotal figure in the squad.
Alongside him are stalwarts like Joseph Okumu of Reims in France, Eric Ouma from Rakow in Poland, and Richard Odada of Dundee United.
Firat has also maintained faith in goalkeepers Ian Otieno of South Africa's Richards Bay FC, Patrick Matasi from Kenya Police and Byrne Omondi of Bandari.
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Stars Abroad: Joseph Okumu impresses in Reims' draw against Mason Greenwood's Marseille as Ayunga fires blanks in Celtic defeat
Ayunga featured for 45 minutes but could not help St. Mirren overcome Celtic in a heavy defeat inflicted on Stephen Robinson's men on Sunday, while Joseph Okumu helped Reims labour to draw against Mason Greenwood's Marseille.
The other standout names in the squad are Timothy Ouma from Elfsberg and Eric Johanna of UTA-Romania.
Local talents such as Kayci Odhiambo from AFC Leopards and Ronney Onyango of Gor Mahia have also made it into the squad alongside John Avire, Jonah Ayunga of St. Mirren-Scotland, and Benson Omalla from Safa SC.
13:30 - 27.08.2024
Why Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is rooting for exporting more young Kenyan players abroad
Firat handed Ouma his debut at 17 when he was at Nairobi City Stars, and the talented youngster is now on the verge of helping Elfsborg qualify for the 2024/2025 Europa League group stage.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)
Defenders:
Collins Sichenje (Vodvojina), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa, Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
Midfielders:
Kayci Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Eric Johanna (UTA-Romania), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Patrick Otieno (KCB), Duke Abuya (Young Africans), Timothy Ouma (Elfsberg)
Forwards:
John Avire (P. Suez), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Safa SC), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)