Four dropped as Firat names Harambee Stars travelling squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon

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Four dropped as Firat names Harambee Stars travelling squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon

Festus Chuma 10:51 - 10.10.2024

Coach Engin Firat names final 24-man squad for Harambee Stars' AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon, dropping four key players.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his final 24-member squad for this month’s two crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon.

The Kenya senior men’s national team is set to take on the Indomitable Lions in the first leg at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Omnisports Stadium in Yaoundé on Friday, October 11, 2024, before returning to Uganda for the second leg at the Mandela National Stadium on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Kenya, currently leading their qualification group with four points, is facing Cameroon, who also have four points, in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Zimbabwe and Namibia follow with two and zero points, respectively.

The top two teams from the group will qualify for the AFCON tournament, set to be hosted by Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.

Kenya has been forced to play their home matches in Kampala, Uganda, due to the lack of a FIFA and CAF-approved stadium in the country that meets the required international standards.

However, Firat expressed optimism during a press briefing at the Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi on Wednesday.

“I don’t believe it will be easy for Cameroon, even if they have all their players available. This time, I’m happy that we only have a few players missing,” said Firat, a UEFA Pro License holder.

“We are ready, and I expect the team to give a good account of themselves.”

Among the notable names missing from the final squad are Tusker midfielder David Odoyo, Gor Mahia's Austine Odhiambo, who suffered an injury during training, Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri and AFC Leopards forward Sydney Lokale.

One of the key inclusions in the squad is Alfred Scriven, who returns to the national team after a long absence. Adam Wilson, who earned his first call-up earlier this year, is also part of the final squad for the Cameroon clash.

Firat’s squad features a strong core of players, many of whom were pivotal in the team’s 2-1 victory over Namibia and the 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe last month.

Kenya's strong start to the qualification campaign has raised hopes of making a return to the continental stage after missing out on the 2023 AFCON.

The Harambee Stars left Nairobi at 7:30 am on Thursday aboard a chartered flight and were expected to have a training session at the Omnisports Stadium in Yaoundé later that evening.

Final Squad

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Patrick Matasi, Byrne Omondi

Defenders: Alphonce Omija, Daniel Anyembe , Amos Nondi, Sylvester Owino, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Joseph Okumu, Geoffrey Ochieng, Eric Ouma

Midfielders: Chrispine Erambo, Richard Odada, John Ochieng, Timothy Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Duke Abuya, Ronney Onyango

Forwards: John Avire, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Adam Wilson, Alfred Scriven