Kenya’s Harambee Stars Head Coach Engin Firat has caused a stir with his final traveling squad selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast. While regulars Michael Olunga, Eric Ouma, and Joseph Okumu made the cut, there were some notable omissions.
Australian-based forward Bruce Kamau, English defender Adam Wilson, and midfielder Elvis Rupia, who were all part of the initial provisional squad, failed to make the final cut. Kamau, a newcomer aiming for his debut, had impressed during training, leaving many fans surprised by his exclusion. Wilson, another debut hopeful from Bradford City, also faces disappointment. Rupia, a more experienced player, might be battling injury or tactical reasons behind his omission.
Coach Firat has yet to comment on the specific reasons for these surprise exclusions. However, he did confirm that Eric Ouma will join the camp before the team departs for Malawi, while Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe, Timothy Noor Ouma, Collins Sichenje, and Ian Otieno will link up with the squad directly in Malawi.
The Stars open their campaign against Burundi on June 7th at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, followed by a crucial clash against the Africa Cup of Nations champions, Ivory Coast, on June 11th at the same venue.
The Harambee Stars are expected to depart for Malawi on June 2nd and return on June 12th, hoping to secure positive results to keep their World Cup qualification dreams alive. With the final squad now confirmed, all eyes will be on Coach Firat’s tactics and the players’ performance as they take on these challenging opponents.
Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno, Byrne Omondi, Patrick Matasi
Defenders
Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje. Zak Vyner, Alphonce Omija, Erik Ouma Otieno, Abud Omar, Daniel Anyembe, Tobias Knost
Midfielders
John Ochieng, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Chrispine Erambo, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Kenneth Muguna, Austin Odhiambo, Ronney Onyango, Eric Johanna
Forwards
John Avire, Benson Omalla, Michael Olunga
Key Itinerary:
- Matches:
- Kenya vs. Burundi – June 7th, 2024 (Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe)
- Kenya vs. Ivory Coast – June 11th, 2024 (Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe)
- Departure: Sunday, June 2nd, 2024
- Return: Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
With both matches scheduled for Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, coach Firat will be hoping to harness the away support from the Kenyan diaspora in Malawi to propel his team towards crucial victories.
Harambee Stars currently sit third in Group F after picking up three points from their opening two matches. Wins against Burundi and Ivory Coast would be a massive boost for their qualification hopes, and with a blend of experience and exciting new faces, Firat’s men will be determined to cause an upset in Malawi.
