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Engin Firat faces a tough decision as star striker Michael Olunga is doubtful for the AFCON qualifier against Cameroon.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat faces the headache of finding a capable replacement for star striker and captain Michael Olunga, who remains a big doubt ahead of Kenya’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group J qualifier against Cameroon on Monday.
The match, which will be held at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, has already placed additional pressure on Firat’s team due to Kenya’s inability to host the fixture on home soil.
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10:37 - 13.10.2024
‘I hope we beat them 4-0’ – Sports CS Murkomen’s rallying call to Harambee Stars ahead Cameroon rematch
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has advised Harambee Stars to revive their 2025 AFCON qualification campaign with a good result against Cameroon on Monday.
Olunga, who plays for Al Duhail in Qatar, has been instrumental in the Harambee Stars' attack, consistently providing goals and leadership.
However, the 30-year-old forward is battling a hamstring injury and has been unable to train with the team in the lead-up to the game.
"Olunga hasn’t been able to train with us because of the hamstring injury," Firat revealed.
"It looked like things would be manageable, but now we have another issue with Olunga, who will only participate in the warm-up due to hamstring problems. I need to make these decisions at the last minute tomorrow. There are still a lot of questions I have to answer."
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08:00 - 13.10.2024
Michael Olunga inches closer to history thanks to consolation goal against Cameroon
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga put himself in prime position to write a new chapter of history following his goal in Kenya’s heavy defeat to Cameroon.
The injury woes don’t end with Olunga as Harambee Stars defense is also facing a crisis, as Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu, alongside Johnstone Omurwa and Alphonse Omija, are all struggling with injuries.
Okumu came off the bench during the second half of Kenya's 4-1 loss to Cameroon in Yaoundé on Friday, but Firat admits the defender was far from 100%.
"We didn’t even want to play Okumu because he just came back from an injury and wasn’t fit," Firat said.
"Alphonse Omija is still not 100% either, and Johnstone Omurwa couldn’t play due to the injury he sustained in Kenya. We’re trying to manage all of these situations, but it’s not easy."
With Olunga possibly sidelined, Firat is forced to explore alternative attacking options for the return leg.
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21:00 - 11.10.2024
Poor Harambee Stars crumble as Cameroon dominate in one-sided AFCON 2025 encounter
Harambee Stars looked out of sorts throughout the match as Cameroon cruised to a 4-1 win on Friday night, to give them an advantage ahead of the second leg encounter.
He has a pool of players to choose from, but none of them have been regular starters under his guidance. The options include Jonah Ayunga, who plays for St Mirren in Scotland, John Avire from Misr El Makasa in Egypt, Adam Wilson and Alfred Scriven.
Ayunga, in particular, has yet to score for the national team though he netted five goals for St Mirren during the 2023 season.
Firat will be hoping the 26-year-old striker can finally break his duck for Kenya if given the chance to lead the line in Olunga's absence.
The Harambee Stars' situation is further complicated by the absence of a home advantage, as the team has been forced to play their home match in Uganda due to the lack of Fifa and CAF-approved venues in Kenya.
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10:51 - 10.10.2024
Four dropped as Firat names Harambee Stars travelling squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon
Coach Engin Firat names final 24-man squad for Harambee Stars' AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon, dropping four key players.
Firat, however, remains hopeful that his players will rise to the occasion despite the obstacles they face.
"We’re dealing with many challenges, but we’ll give everything we have. It’s important that the team remains focused and determined," Firat added.
Harambee Stars hopes will be pinned on their ability to rally as a unit with or without Olunga as they seek to keep their AFCON qualification campaign alive.
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