Stanley Wilson Omondi is set to make his European debut as AIK qualifies for the UEFA Conference League, showcasing Kenyan talent.
Harambee Stars midfielder Stanley Wilson Omondi could be on the brink of making history as one of Kenya’s youngest players to compete in European football, with AIK securing a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season.
The promising 20-year-old is generating excitement among Kenyan fans, who eagerly await his chance to showcase his talent on one of Europe's most prestigious stages.
05:32 - 12.11.2024
Michael Olunga: Five goals in his last five games, should Zimbabwe & Namibia be worried?
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga comes into the November AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia in fine form which should give coach Engin Firat plenty of hope.
AIK confirmed their spot in the Conference League after a decisive 5-1 victory over Halmstads BK on Sunday.
Though Omondi was not included in the matchday lineup, AIK's emphatic win means that the young midfielder might soon be part of the club's European campaign, a significant step in his budding career.
The match on Sunday saw AIK adopt a high-pressing strategy, dominating possession and creating numerous chances early in the game.
They got off to a fiery start with Greek forward Ioannis Pittas nearly opening the scoring in the 13th minute when he was denied a penalty after a foul by Halmstad’s goalkeeper, Tim Ronning.
07:32 - 12.11.2024
Zimbabwe hit by last-minute injury as Harambee Stars look for advantage in 2025 AFCON qualifier in Polokwane
Zimbabwe have suffered a key injury blow ahead of their crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier against Harambee Stars in Polokwane.
Pittas eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, firing a powerful shot into the far post.
Halmstad quickly responded, however, with Yannick Agnero capitalizing on a defensive error by AIK's Benjamin Tiedemann Hansen just three minutes later, leveling the score to 1-1.
The intensity of the match escalated when Halmstad’s Gabriel Wallentin received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle in the 36th minute. This proved a turning point, as AIK, now with a numerical advantage, took control of the game.
20:00 - 11.11.2024
Sheffield United join Brentford, Manchester United and Tottenham in race for Kenyan international
Ouma has been on song for IF Elfsborg in the Europa League this season, which has attracted the interest of several clubs in England, includig Manchester United, Spurs and even Brentford.
Just before halftime, Alexander Milosevic set up Onni Valakari to restore AIK’s lead. Eskil Edh then extended their advantage with a stoppage-time goal, sending AIK into the break 3-1 up. T
he second half saw no let-up in AIK’s relentless attack. In the 60th minute, Anton Salétros added to the tally with an assist from Lamine Fanne, who is set to join Luton Town in England.
Pittas scored his second goal in the 88th minute, sealing AIK’s 5-1 victory and securing their third-place finish in Sweden’s Allsvenskan league.
15:58 - 11.11.2024
Why Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is unhappy with choice of venue for Zimbabwe v Kenya match
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has expressed his reservations over Zimbabwe’s decision to host their AFCON qualifier against Kenya in South Africa’s northeastern city of Polokwane.
After the final whistle, fans celebrated AIK’s success and bid farewell to some of the club’s key players.
Alexander Milosevic, who has been a crucial figure in the squad, received a standing ovation from a record crowd of 37,229, underscoring AIK’s popularity and fan support this season.
The match marked an all-time high average attendance of 28,589 for AIK home games in the Allsvenskan, breaking the previous record set by Hammarby.
06:00 - 11.11.2024
Zimbabwe vs Kenya: Stats that give Harambee Stars hope ahead of must-win 2025 AFCON qualifier
Kenya will face Zimbabwe in a match they must win to stay in contention for AFCON 2025 qualification but the numbers suggest Harambee Stars have an upper hand.
For Stanley Wilson Omondi, this could be the beginning of an exciting journey.
The young midfielder, who first caught the public eye during the international break in September 2023 with a call-up to Kenya’s senior squad, has quickly risen through the ranks.
Although he did not play in Kenya's 1-0 loss to South Sudan his inclusion in the team highlighted his potential and skill at such a young age. His journey from Darajani Gogo to trials with AIK and his subsequent call-up has been nothing short of remarkable.
Omondi’s breakthrough on the international stage came at the 2024 COSAFA Cup in South Africa where he debuted against Comoros.
AIK has a history of working with Kenyan talent, with players like Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, Henry Meja, and Collins Sichenje having in the past on the club’s roster.
His journey and success in Sweden could open doors for other young Kenyan footballers aiming to make their mark on the international stage