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The reigning FKF Premier League most valuable player, who has earned three caps for the side, has picked up an untimely injury as Harambee Stars prepare for their double-header against Cameroon.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat faces a significant challenge as Kenya's national football team prepares for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying matches against Cameroon.
The first leg is set to take place this Friday at Stade Omnisport de Douala with the return fixture scheduled for the following Monday in Uganda.
The Stars' preparations suffered a major setback when star midfielder Austin Odhiambo, the 2023/24 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League MVP, sustained a knee injury on the first day of training last Friday, just as he was settling into camp with his local-based teammates.
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Odhiambo's hopes of featuring in the two decisive encounters were dashed when he sustained the injury during the initial training session.
The full extent of his injury is still under assessment, but the midfielder has been unable to participate in training since the incident, making his absence from both matches highly probable.
"Austin injured his knee during training, and it's a tough setback for the team, but the medical team is working hard to see if he can recover in time for the Cameroon game," said a source inside the camp.
Odhiambo, who had been in fine form at the start of the 2024-25 FKF Premier League season, had delivered a standout performance in Gor Mahia’s 4-0 victory over Mathare United, earning himself the man-of-the-match accolade.
Expectations were high for the creative maestro carry his domestic form into the national team, but this injury now places his return date into uncertainty.
His absence leaves a considerable void in Kenya's midfield, where he had been expected to play a creative role. Harambee Stars are also without another key playmaker, Kenneth Muguna of Kenya Police FC, who suffered an injury in his side’s opening league match against Tusker FC over a week ago.
Muguna's withdrawal leaves Duke Abuya as the only remaining creative midfielder in the squad.
Firat, may be forced to explore alternative options, with Ulinzi Stars' Boniface Muchiri being a potential candidate to fill the gap. Muchiri, who has recently returned to the national team setup after a three-year absence, is primarily a winger but has the versatility to play centrally.
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His ability to operate behind striker Michael Olunga could provide Firat with a valuable alternative in attack.
Odhiambo's rise in national team colours had been promising. He particularly stood out during last June’s COSAFA Cup, representing the Rising Stars, where he netted twice and provided one assist. He also made an instant impact on his senior national team debut, delivering an assist in Harambee Stars' 1-1 draw against Burundi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
With Kenya’s AFCON qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Odhiambo’s injury has added pressure on the squad. The creative burden now shifts to those still available as they prepare for a tough challenge against the Indomitable Lions. Firat will undoubtedly be hoping that the rest of the team can step up in the absence of their star playmakers and secure vital points to keep Kenya’s AFCON dream alive.
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