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The absence of Zimbabwe skipper Marvelous Nakamba might shift focus onto Richard Odada, creating unexpected pressure in the Harambee Stars' 2025 AFCON qualifier.
Zimbabwe defensive midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is slated to miss the much-anticipated midfield clash against Harambee Stars' Richard Odada in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
While Nakamba will be dazzling in the domestic fields of England facing off against Queens Park Rangers in the EFL Cup fans are left to wonder what could have been in a face-off of midfield marvels.
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16:30 - 27.08.2024
Eight top players missing from Engin Firat's Harambee Stars squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers
The six notable absentees from Harambee Stars provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Marvelous, who has been anything but 'marvel-less' on the pitch, finds his superpowers a tad too late as the Warriors' coach already penned down his squad without the star player.
Meanwhile, Odada, another midfield maestro, is gearing up to prove that there is more to Kenyan football than long-distance running.
As Nakamba gears up with Luton Town back in Harare fans are sharpening their jokes alongside their pencils, preparing for a match that now features one less star.
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15:30 - 27.08.2024
Done Deal: Brian Mandela unveiled at his new South African club
Harambee Stars defender Brian Mandela has finally landed a new club in South Africa as he begins a new chapter after ending his spell with champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The scene was set for Nakamba to orchestrate the midfield like a seasoned conductor at a symphony but now the audience will have to tune in to a slightly different rhythm led by Odada.
In Kampala, where the Mandela National Sports Stadium will temporarily house the dreams of the Zimbabwean and Kenyan teams fans from both sides are gearing up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group J.
It is rumored that even the stadium sighed in relief, knowing it would not have to contain the colossal clash of Nakamba and Odada.
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12:45 - 27.08.2024
Okumu, Odada, Olunga headline Engin Firat's Harambee Stars squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers
Engin Firat has named Harambee Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers excluding Ayub Timbe and Daniel Anyembe
The buzz around Nakamba’s return to the pitch has been as loud as a vuvuzela at a South African World Cup match with Luton's coach Rob Edwards playing the role of the cautious conductor easing him back into the game.
"We'll try to introduce Marv on Tuesday as well. This weekend is too soon for him, but we’ll look to get him minutes on Tuesday as well. We’re starting to shape up quite nicely," remarked Edwards, possibly while crossing his fingers.
Back in the day Nakamba aggravated his injury during a heroic but ill-fated World Cup qualifier and has since been more of a bench-warrior than a field-warrior.
Meanwhile, Odada in the distant lands of Scotland is possibly practicing his passes oblivious to the symphony he will be leading alone.
The clash between Zimbabwe and Kenya is already being billed as 'The Great What-If' of African football.
Fans will certainly miss Nakamba's presence on the field but hopes are high that the remaining Warriors will turn their misfortune into a story of triumph much like the plot of a well-loved superhero movie.
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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.
After all every Marvel story needs a twist and this match promises just that, even without our Marvel-lous Nakamba.
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