Published on October 2, 2024 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 2 years by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Kenya’s national football team Harambee Stars talisman and captain Michael Olunga has been recalled for the forthcoming double header 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against former champions Cameroon scheduled between October 7-15, 2024.
Olunga has been recalled and named in the 28-man provisional squad a month after he missed two of Kenya’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, during which Harambee Stars collected four points, taking control of Group J.
Kenya’s head coach, Engin Firat, had previously ruled Olunga out of the qualifiers due to an injury sustained while playing for Duhail in the Qatar Stars League.
Olunga’s return provides a timely advantage for Kenya’s national team ahead of the October international window.
His absence was evident during Kenya’s 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, where the team struggled in attack.
Firat turned to Jonah Ayunga and John Avire in the match against Namibia, which saw Kenya secure a vital 2-1 win.
Coach Firat has assembled a 28-man squad, combining local-based talents and foreign professionals, in preparation for the double-header against Cameroon.
Olunga headlines the foreign-based players who include defender Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Alfred Scriven, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Richard Odada, who plies his trade with Dundee United.
Among the local league players included are Gor Mahia’s quintet of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango and Austine Odhiambo.
Others Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi’s Bonface Muchiri awho lso 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.
The first leg of the double-header is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, followed by the return leg on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. The second match in Kampala will be played behind closed doors.
Provisional Squad
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), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
Forwards
Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK), John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)
