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Engin Firat named his Harambee Stars squad for the must-win November 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Namibia and Zimbabwe but who are the big names that missed out?
As Kenya's Harambee Stars prepare for crucial AFCON 2025 qualifying matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia, head coach Engin Firat has made some notable exclusions from the squad that have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.
Set to play Zimbabwe's Warriors on November 15 and Namibia four days later, both in South Africa, the squad's composition has drawn scrutiny as Firat leaves behind some of the team’s familiar faces. Pulse Sports delves into the key players who didn’t make the cut and the impact of their absence.
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17:40 - 08.11.2024
Amos Wanjala included as Engin Firat names final Harambee Stars squad for must-win 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Namibia & Zimbabwe
Wanjala, who captained Rising Stars into qualifying for the 2025 U-20 AFCON a few weeks ago, has been included in the final 24-man squad.
1. Patrick Matasi
The exclusion of goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is one of the least surprising decisions. His performance in Kenya's recent 4-1 loss to Cameroon in Yaounde came under heavy criticism, as he was directly at fault for two goals.
In the return leg, he was replaced, and his struggle for form continued at club level with Kenya Police, where a critical mistake in a 1-1 draw against Sofapaka vindicated Firat's decision to look elsewhere.
Taking Matasi’s place is Farouk Shikalo, who recently featured in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) against South Sudan. Shikalo hasn’t been a part of the main national side since 2019, but this call-up signals Firat’s intention to strengthen the team’s goalkeeping department.
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08:05 - 09.11.2024
Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee on why getting Harambee Stars to qualify for AFCON 2004 was one of two best moments of his career
Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has revealed why getting Kenya to qualify for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations was among two best moments of his coaching career.
2. Zak Vyner
Zak Vyner’s absence is attributed to unresolved passport issues that have stalled his debut for Harambee Stars. Despite being called up for Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi, the London-born defender has been unable to make his mark on the international stage.
In August, coach Firat expressed uncertainty about Vyner’s availability, stating, “About Zak, I need green light, and it still has not been sorted till now.” With these bureaucratic hurdles persisting, Vyner’s sidelining remains an unresolved issue that continues to delay his entry into the squad.
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06:45 - 06.11.2024
Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee Shares humorous tale on how he humbled Emmanuel Adebayor-inspired Togo 3-0 during his first Harambee Stars stint
Mulee has hilariously reconted how he managed to upstage Togo, inspired by legendary former striker Emmanuel Adebayor in 2002 during his first ever stint in charge of Harambee Stars at Kasarani.
3. Geoffrey 'Simiti' Ochieng
Nicknamed “Simiti,” Geoffrey Ochieng made his debut for the national B side in CHAN qualifiers against South Sudan, taking over from Abud Omar, who has since rejoined the squad.
As a left-back for Gor Mahia, Ochieng has shown promise, but Firat appears to believe he needs further development before solidifying his position in the main squad. His absence suggests Firat is favoring experience over raw potential as Kenya approaches these decisive qualifiers.
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14:54 - 08.11.2024
Harambee Stars assistant coach explains why Kenya lost to South Sudan Sudan in CHAN 2024 qualifier
Harambee Stars had already secured a ticket to next year's showpiece by being co-hosts, but still took part in the qualifiers against South Sudan, where they lost 3-1 on aggregate
4. Alphonce Omija
Alphonce Omija has quickly become a fan favorite for his versatility, solid defence, and tactical intelligence, debuting in a 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast last June.
Known for his ability to play as a center back, defensive midfielder, or right-back, Omija's progress was interrupted by a knee injury that has ruled him out of this double-header. His absence is a blow to the Harambee Stars’ defensive depth, as his adaptability has been an asset in past matches.
5. Sylvester Owino
Sylvester Owino’s omission has raised some eyebrows, given his consistent performances in recent outings. Owino played a vital role in Kenya’s opening qualifiers, helping secure four points against Namibia and Zimbabwe.
He also featured in COSAFA and CHAN competitions, forming a strong defensive presence. With his track record, Owino’s absence comes as a surprise, and it’s unclear if it’s based on tactical decisions or recent form.
6. Chris Erambo
Chrispine Erambo’s journey with Harambee Stars began in March during the Four Nations tournament in Malawi. Since then, he has earned five senior caps and was a fixture in the CHAN qualifiers and the 2024 COSAFA Cup.
However, Firat has chosen to replace Erambo with Marvine Nabwire, a local-based central midfielder. This decision underscores Firat’s willingness to experiment with different local talents, especially in midfield.
Firat’s provisional squad reflects a mix of strategy and form-based decisions as he prepares the team for two critical qualifiers. While the omission of seasoned players like Matasi and Owino has sparked discussion, the introduction of fresh talent signals an effort to refine Kenya's depth and adaptability. However, the absence of versatile defenders like Omija and Vyner’s unresolved eligibility remain concerns that could impact the team's overall defensive strategy.
As Harambee Stars brace for the November showdowns, these roster changes will likely have a lasting impact on Kenya’s path to the 2025 AFCON. With crucial points on the line, the performance of this revised squad could either validate Firat’s strategic shake-up or raise questions on the overlooked veterans left behind.
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