Published on May 20, 2024 by Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Kenya Online News
May 20, 2024 – FKF Communications: Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has announced his 25-player provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast. The squad features many of the players who excelled at the four-nation tournament in Malawi in March, along with several new call-ups.
Among the new additions are Brian Okoth, a standout defender from Kenya Police, and Gor Mahia’s Austine Odhiambo, who leads the FKF Premier League in assists this season. Firat has also included Tobias Knost from Germany’s SV Verl and Bruce Kamau from Australia’s Perth Glory. Another notable call-up is Adam Wilson from Bradford City in England.
Duke Abuya and Elvis Rupia make their return to the team after missing the last set of matches in Malawi.
Squad Preparation & Match Dates
The Harambee Stars will begin their preparations in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. They are scheduled to play Burundi on June 7, 2024, followed by a match against the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, Ivory Coast, on June 11, 2024. The team plans to depart for Malawi on June 2, 2024.
Venue
Despite being the designated home team, Harambee Stars will play both matches at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi. This relocation is due to renovations at Kenya’s Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani Stadium, which are being upgraded ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa commented on the venue change: “We did our best to secure a venue close to Kenya. Unfortunately, venues in Tanzania and Uganda were unavailable due to prior bookings. While playing home matches away from home is not ideal, I urge Kenyans to stay positive and support the team.”
Qualification Format
Kenya is currently third in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, with three points from their opening two matches against Gabon and Seychelles. The group consists of Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burundi, The Gambia, Seychelles, and Kenya. Only the top team from each group will qualify for the World Cup. Additionally, the four best runners-up from the nine groups will enter a playoff, determining CAF’s representative in the Inter-confederation playoffs for the final two World Cup spots.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police)
Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari)
Boniphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal)
Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia)
Defenders
Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal)
Alphonse Omija (Dhofar, Oman)
Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia)
Brian Okoth (Kenya Police)
Abud Omar (Kenya Police)
Tobias Knost (SV Verl, Germany)
Midfielders
John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia)
Eric Johanna (UTA, Romania)
Adam Wilson (Bradford City, England)
Anthony Akumu (Unattached)
Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police)
Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards)
Chrispine Erambo (Tusker)
Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
Ayub Timbe (Sabail, Azerbaijan)
Duke Abuya (IHEFU, Tanzania)
Bruce Kamau (Perth Glory, Australia)
Forwards
John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid SC, Egypt)
Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
Benson Omala (Gor Mahia)
Elvis Rupia (IHEFU, Tanzania)
