The Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team, have bolstered their squad with the inclusion of two new players, Tobias Knost and John Ochieng, as they gear up for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Knost, a defender from SV Verl in Germany, and Ochieng, a midfielder from Zanaco in Zambia, are set to bring fresh talent and energy to the team as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Knost and Ochieng join a robust lineup that includes Duke Abuya and Elvis Rupia, both plying their trade in Tanzania, as well as Johnstone Omurwa from Portugal, Alphonse Omija from Oman, and Amos Nondi from Armenia. The depth of international experience is further enhanced by Bradford City’s Adam Wilson and Perth Glory’s Bruce Kamau, who are also eyeing their first caps for the senior team.
Ayub Timbe, currently based in Azerbaijan, is anticipated to join the squad before they depart for Malawi. In a coordinated travel plan, Richard Odada, Daniel Anyembe, and team captain Michael Olunga will fly directly from their respective bases to join the team in Malawi.
The Harambee Stars are set to face Burundi on June 7 and Ivory Coast on June 11, 2024, in matchdays three and four of the qualifiers. Both fixtures will take place at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi. These matches are pivotal for Kenya, which currently sits third in Group F, having secured three points from their opening encounters against Gabon and Seychelles.
The group standings see Kenya trailing behind leaders Ivory Coast and second-placed Gabon. With only the group winner guaranteed a spot in the 48-team World Cup, the Harambee Stars must aim for top performance in their remaining matches. Additionally, the four best runners-up from the nine groups will compete in a playoff to determine the final African representative in the Inter-confederation playoffs, which will decide the last two spots for the World Cup.
The team’s preparations are in full swing, with a departure to Malawi scheduled for Sunday, June 2, 2024. Head coach Engin Firat is optimistic about the new additions and the overall squad’s potential to make a significant impact in the qualifiers.
