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The six notable absentees from Harambee Stars provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
As head coach Engin Firat unveiled the provisional Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, the exclusion of several key players has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
With crucial fixtures against Zimbabwe's Swallows in Uganda on September 4 and an away match against Namibia on September 10, 2024, the team's composition is under intense scrutiny.
Pulse Sports takes a closer look at the significant players missing from the lineup and the potential impact of their absence.
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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.
Zak Vyner
Zak Vyner, who was called up for the Harambee Stars during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi, has yet to make his debut due to passport issues.
This unresolved documentation problem appears to have sidelined him once again. Coach Firat expressed his uncertainty about Vyner's availability, telling Passion Sports, "About Zak, I need green light and it still has not been sorted till now." The ongoing bureaucratic hurdle continues to delay Vyner's debut on the international stage.
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14:00 - 27.08.2024
Austin Odhiambo among four Gor Mahia players that have earned call ups to Harambee Stars squad
Four Gor Mahia players, including Austin Odhiambo, have earned Harambee Stars call ups for their AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Eric Johanna Omondi
Eric Johanna Omondi's exclusion from the squad marks a significant shift, following two turbulent camps marred by disciplinary issues.
Omondi was previously sent home after a confrontation with Aboud Omar and later went AWOL after being granted a night off before traveling to Malawi for qualifiers last June. While Firat emphasized that the door is not shut on Omondi, his absence may be part of an internal effort to address his conduct.
Omondi recently played for UTA Arad in Romania, suggesting that his form isn't the issue, but rather his off-field behavior.
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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.
Daniel Anyembe
Daniel Anyembe, who has earned nine caps for Kenya, will miss the upcoming qualifiers due to ongoing documentation issues, despite his recent appearance for Viborg on Monday night.
Coach Firat confirmed two weeks ago that Anyembe had already opted out, citing challenges with the availability of foreign-based players. "Anyembe will not be available again," Firat reiterated, signaling continued complications in securing his participation.
Despite having his passport issue resolved, Tobias Knost has been surprisingly left out of the squad. This decision delays the former German international's debut for Kenya, raising questions about the reasoning behind his exclusion.
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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
Bruce Kamau
Bruce Kamau, who was left out of the final squad for the World Cup qualifiers last June, finds himself excluded once again.
The Kenyan-born player, who moved to Australia at the age of four, is currently unattached after being released by Perth Glory in Australia's A-League. Kamau's international career remains in limbo, despite having previously represented Australia’s U23 national team.
Brian Mandela
Former Sundowns defender Brian Mandela, who hasn't played for Kenya since their 1-0 loss to South Sudan at Kasarani Stadium last September, is another notable absentee.
Firat praised Mandela's character, saying, "Brian is a top character and very popular within the team." Mandela has faced tough injuries over the past year, raising doubts about his ability to return to form.
Having recently joined South African Premier Soccer League side Stellenbosch FC, Firat may be giving Mandela time to settle before considering a call-up.
Ayub Timbe
Ayub Timbe, a key player in Firat’s plans, has also been left out of the squad. According to Pulse Sports, Timbe is close to finalizing a move to Turkish second-tier side Ankaraspor Kulübü, following his departure from FK Sabail in Azerbaijan.
Firat had previously highlighted Timbe's importance, noting how his pace and trickery create space for Michael Olunga, as seen during the Malawi Four Nations Tournament in March. However, Timbe’s current priority appears to be securing his club future.
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