Engin Firat has named two new players in his Harambee Stars squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia, scheduled to be played on September 6 and 10, 2024.

The Turkish coach has included Bandari defender Sharrif Majabe and AFC Leopards goalkeeper Levis Opiyo in the squad.

The duo replaces Serbia-based defender Collins Sichenje and South Africa-based goalkeeper Ian Otieno, who have recently switched clubs.

Firat also dropped AFC Leopards defender Kayci Odhiambo and KCB midfielder Patrick Otieno from the squad.

However, the team will still feature key players such as captain Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, and Richard Odada.

Harambee Stars are set to face Zimbabwe on September 6, 2024, in Uganda. This match will be followed by a clash against Namibia on September 10, 2024, in South Africa.

The decision to host the first match against Zimbabwe in Uganda on September 6 arises from the inadequacy of Kenyan stadiums to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards required for high-caliber matches.

The team's itinerary includes departing for Uganda on Monday, September 2. After the first match, they will proceed to South Africa on Saturday, September 7, giving them enough time to rest and prepare for their second game.

These qualifiers are crucial for the Harambee Stars as they aim to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Traveling squad

Goalkeepers: Levis Opiyo, Patrick Matasi, Byrne OmondiDefenders

Defenders: Sharrif Majabe, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Amos Nondi, Abud Omar, Eric Ouma, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija

Midfielders: Chris Erambo, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Eric Johanna, Ronney Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Duke Abuya, Timothy OumaForwards

Forwards: John Avire, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, Victor Omune

Will Benson Omala sufficiently fill Michael Olunga's striking boots at Harambee Stars amidst injury woe?

Olunga is unlikely to be available for Harambee Stars' first two AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to injury which leaves the center forward option up for grabs.

Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala has expressed his readiness to fill the void left by Michael Olunga if the Harambee Stars captain fails to recover in time for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.

With Olunga’s participation in doubt due to a recent injury, Omala is prepared to lead Kenya’s attack against Zimbabwe and Namibia this month.

The Al Duhail forward, who has missed his last two matches at the club level, is set to undergo an MRI with the national team's medical staff to assess the extent of his injury.

Head coach Engin Firat has already indicated that the likelihood of Olunga featuring in the qualifiers is low. However, Firat has named several capable forwards in the provisional squad, including Patrick Otieno, John Avire, Jonah Ayunga, and Omala.

Omala, currently entangled in a complex transfer situation after moving to Lebanon to sign for Al Safa FC, remains focused on his responsibilities with the national team. The young striker exuded confidence, stating that he is prepared to take on the challenge if called upon.

“Every player needs to be ready because anything can happen. I have been in the system and learned a lot, including from the captain himself,” Omala said.

Omala’s recent performances for the national team have been promising. He was instrumental during Kenya’s COSAFA Cup campaign in South Africa last June, where he scored a goal and registered an assist.

Additionally, he netted his maiden goal for the senior team in their emphatic 5-0 victory over Seychelles during the World Cup qualifiers last November. Omala believes these experiences have equipped him well for the challenges ahead.

“If given a chance, I am sure I can do something,” Omala asserted. His confidence is palpable as he looks forward to potentially leading the line for Harambee Stars. “Every player wants to play at the highest level. I am taking these games seriously, and I want to play at the highest level.”

As the team prepares for the crucial qualifiers, Omala also praised the atmosphere within the camp. He emphasized the importance of unity and the high level of quality among the players as they gear up for the matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“Training has been fantastic. The players here deserved to be called up, and the coach has his reasons, so we are happy to be called up,” Omala remarked.

“Preparations have been good. The quality is there, and everyone wants to make the final squad. It would be good if we went all out to try and win.”

Kenya will host Zimbabwe in Uganda on September 6th before traveling to South Africa to face Namibia four days later. With the possibility of Olunga missing these crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on Omala and his fellow forwards to deliver the goals and secure vital points for Harambee Stars in their quest for AFCON 2025 qualification

Why Gor Mahia will host their home matches out of Kenya if they seal CAF Champions League group stage

Kenyan sides Gor Mahia and Kenya Police will have to find venues outside Kenya for their home matches if they qualify for CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group stage.

Gor Mahia and Kenya Police face the prospect of playing their continental matches away from Kenya if they make it to the group stages of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

K’Ogalo will take on Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the second preliminary round of the Champions League while Police face Zamalek at the same stage of the Confederation Cup.

Both sides earned a reprieve when Nyayo Stadium was approved to host the preliminary round, meaning both Al Ahly and Zamalek will play in Nairobi this month, but if the Kenyan teams pull off an upset and qualify for the group stage, they will be forced to host their matches out of the country.

This is because Nyanyo Stadium is a Category 2 stadium which means it can only host Champions League and Confederation Cup matches at the preliminary round with group stage and quarter-final action reserved for Category 3 stadiums.

Nyayo still does not meet this criterion, which would also allow them to host Africa Cup of Nations, World Cup and CHAN qualifiers as well as Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and Women’s Champions League finals.

It is the reason Harambee Stars have been forced to host Zimbabwe in Uganda during their 2025 AFCON home qualifier this weekend, following on their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast that were hosted in Malawi in June.

Nyayo has been undergoing renovations as the government looks to give it a facelift, same as Karasani Stadium, which has been closed for renovation for most of 2024 with construction work set to complete at the end of the year.

It is an extra headache for the two sides who already have a dauting task against the respective defending champions of the continental competitions.

Al Ahly are the record 12-time winners of the Champions League, and have won the last two in a row, while Zamalek are the holders of the Confederation Cup.

Kenyan teams have traditionally found it tough against North African opponents but there is still hope that they can pull off a positive result at home and mount a spirited challenge away.

For Mila Sport

~ DAN~