Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has assembled a 28-man squad to face the five-time African Champions in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers starting next week.
Engin is optimistic the provisional squad which is a blend of local talents and foreign professionals will tame the Indomitable Lions in the back-to-back matches.
The Stars will be boosted by the return of captain Michael Olunga who missed the last qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to an injury.
Among the domestic players included are Gor Mahia’s quintet of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo. Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi’s Boniface Muchiri also made the cut.
Notably, Tusker FC midfielder David Odoyo receives his first senior national team call-up, while AFC Leopards’ Sydney Lokale returns to the fold after a prolonged absence.
Captain Olunga, who continues his prolific form with Al-Duhail in Qatar, headlines the foreign-based players. Other names include defender Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Alfred Scriven, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Richard Odada, who plies his trade with Dundee United.
The Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat.
The team is set to begin their residential camp tomorrow.
The first leg of the tournament will kick off on October 11 at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, followed by the return leg on October 14 at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
The second match in Kampala will be played behind closed doors.
These fixtures will be pivotal for Kenya’s campaign to qualify for the prestigious continental tournament in Morocco.
Players in the Provisional Squad include;
Goalkeepers; Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari).
Defenders; Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa (Abha), Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow).
Midfielders; David Odoyo (Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), John Ochieng (Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars).
Forwards; John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), , Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK).
