Muchiri, Lokale dropped as Firat names Harambee Stars' squad for Cameroon duels
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 10.10.24. | 10:07
The first tie will be played in Cameroon on Friday with the return leg set for Uganda on Monday.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his final squad for the crucial two-legged AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon.
Kenya will face Cameroon away on Friday, before hosting the five-time African champions in Uganda on Monday. Both teams are aiming to secure a spot in next year’s AFCON, set to take place in Cameroon starting December.
Among the players dropped from the squad are Tusker FC's David Odoyo, who recently received his first-ever national call-up, Ulinzi Stars' Boniface Muchiri, who had returned to the team, and AFC Leopards' Sydney Lokale. Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo will miss out due to injury.
Firat’s final squad features only seven local-based players, including goalkeepers Patrick Matasi of Kenya Police FC and Bryne Omondi of Bandari FC. Gor Mahia contributes four players: Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, and Rooney Onyango. Tusker’s Chrispine Erambo completes the local contingent.
Key players Daniel Anyembe and Michael Olunga, who missed the September matches, return to strengthen the squad. Additionally, Adam Wilson and Alfred Scriven, both of whom were unavailable for previous fixtures, have also been included.
Kenya currently leads Group J with four points, tied with Cameroon after two rounds of matches. A positive result against the Indomitable Lions could edge Kenya closer to their first AFCON appearance since 2019.
Firat remains optimistic ahead of the ties against the formidable Cameroonians. "What we're doing is part of a process. We're unbeaten in seven matches this year, which I don't think has happened often in Kenya. We've even won a trophy abroad."
He added, "We know it will be tough, but I believe the result will come down to small details. It won't be easy for Cameroon, even with their full-strength squad. This time, I’m pleased we have fewer absentees compared to previous matches."
Final Squad
Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Patrick Matasi, Byrne Omondi
Defenders: Alphonce Omija, Daniel Anyembe , Amos Nondi, Sylvester Owino, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Joseph Okumu, Geoffrey Ochieng, Eric Ouma
Midfielders: Chrispine Erambo, Richard Odada, John Ochieng, Timothy Ouma, Anthony Akumu, Duke Abuya, Ronney Onyango
Forwards: John Avire, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Adam Wilson, Alfred Scriven
