The Kenyan National Team, Harambee Stars, kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign in earnest with their first training session on Tuesday, May 21st. Head Coach Engin Firat wasted no time in ushering in a new era, with exciting young talents like Brian Okoth and Bruce Kamau joining the fold for the first time.
The inclusion of Okoth, a rising star with Kenya Police, and Kamau, a seasoned professional plying his trade in Australia with Perth Glory, sends a clear message: Firat is committed to building a squad that blends experience with youthful exuberance.
“These are Kenyan players with quality and potential who deserve a chance to show us what they can offer,” Firat declared, lauding the new additions.
The return of Abud Omar and Eric Johanna, who were previously disciplined for misconduct, also signifies a shift in strategy. While acknowledging their past transgressions, Firat emphasizes their understanding of national team expectations. “Now they can show that they deserve to be here,” he stated, offering them a path to redemption.
Harambee Stars face a daunting yet thrilling task. They’ll open their campaign against Burundi on June 7th before locking horns with the reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast, on June 11th.
Due to ongoing renovations at Kenyan stadiums in preparation for upcoming continental tournaments, the team will play both matches at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Kenya currently sits precariously in third place in Group F, with only the top team guaranteed a direct passage to the 48-team World Cup extravaganza co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. However, even a runners-up position can offer a lifeline through a complex playoff system.
Squad
Players in bold have checked into the camp
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, Azeberijan), Duke Abuya (Singida, Tanzania), Bruce Kamau (Perth Glory, Australia)
Forwards
John Avire (Misr El Makasa, Egypt), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (Singida, Tanzania)
