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Michael Olunga has expressed delight at being back for the national team as they prepare for their Cameroon double encounter in the quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Harambee Stars forward Michael Olunga has expressed his relief at returning to the national team as they gear up for two critical Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon on October 11 and 14.
The Kenyan captain had missed recent fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to injury but has since regained his form, scoring twice in his last few games for Al Duhail.
“Every time the call-ups come, we want to be there to help the team," Olunga said on Wednesday.
"Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it for the last two fixtures due to injury, but now I’m glad the progress has been good, and I’m back in action. It feels great to return.”
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19:58 - 09.10.2024
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat reveals tactical approach for crucial AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has explained how he will approach both matches against Cameroon in the quest to seal qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Olunga's recovery comes at a pivotal moment for the national side, with the forward having missed a significant chunk of the qualifiers.
He acknowledged the challenge of being sidelined, saying, “It was tough because I started the league well, but then the thigh injury came. Now that I’m fully fit, I’ve gained confidence from scoring in back-to-back games. I hope to bring the same energy to the national team.”
His return coincides with the availability of other key players like Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe, and Timothy Ouma, adding depth to Kenya’s squad as they seek to qualify for their first AFCON since 2019. Olunga emphasized the importance of having the full squad back:
“Every coach wants his best players fit, and it’s good to see many of our players have recovered. We’re almost complete, though there’s always room for improvement.”
Despite the return of star players, Olunga was quick to praise his teammates who filled in during his absence, especially John Avire and Jonah Ayunga, who played key roles in Kenya's victory over Namibia.
“In the first two games, we had players who hadn’t played for the team before, but they delivered. This shows we have a strong team capable of competing against anyone. We know the task ahead with Cameroon, one of the group’s favorites.”
Kenya will travel to Cameroon early Thursday morning for the away leg in Douala before flying to Kampala for the return leg at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
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17:49 - 09.10.2024
'It's amazing'- Harambee Stars' Marcelo reacts to love shown by Kenyan fans
The former Gor Mahia player has been showered with pampered attention since joining Raków from Swedish giants AIK earlier this year with fans flooding the club's account for updates on the player.
Olunga is fully aware of the challenge Cameroon poses, highlighting their rich footballing history. “Cameroon is a strong opponent; everyone knows that. But we have four points, just like them, so these two games are essentially six-point fixtures. We’re determined to start well away, and all the boys are psyched and prepared to get a positive result.”
Kenya's recent unbeaten run over the last seven to nine months has helped boost team morale, with victories in away matches bolstering their confidence.
“We’ve been building something strong, and the team’s confidence is growing. We’ve also integrated young players into the squad, which is crucial for our future," he said.
The Harambee Stars' captain believes the mix of emerging talent and seasoned players is key to Kenya’s long-term success.
“It’s great to see young players blending with experienced ones, creating the right balance for Kenyan football now and in the future. This squad is ready to compete.”
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15:41 - 09.10.2024
Harambee Stars learn CHAN 2024 qualifiers opponents
Kenya has learned their opponents for the first round of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers after the draw conducted at CAF headquarters in Cairo on Wednesday afternoon.
Kenya’s supporters have a role to play, too, according to Olunga. He urged patience from fans and highlighted the importance of unity within the team.
“After the Zimbabwe game, there was a lot of negativity, but after our win against Namibia, people started believing again. These high-caliber fixtures require support, and we’re calling on Kenyans to be patient and back us as we work hard to get positive results.”
With Olunga’s leadership, the Harambee Stars aim to take a giant step toward AFCON qualification and continue their impressive unbeaten streak in the process.
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