Olunga doubtful as Firat's Harambee Stars prepare for Zimbabwe test

Harambee Stars forward Benson Omalla challenge goalkeeper Byrne Omondi during teams training at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi on September 01, 2024. The Kenya Men’s Senior National Football Team is preparing for 2025 AFCON Qualifier match against Zimbabwe in Uganda on September 06, 2024. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team, are in the final stages of preparation for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers campaign, set to kick off on Friday.

However, the team faces the challenge of playing their home matches away from home due to the lack of Fifa-approved stadiums in Kenya.

As a result, the Stars will play their opening Group F fixture against Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.

Kenya finds itself in a tough Group J, alongside five-time African champions Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Despite the daunting opposition, the Engin Firat-coached side is determined to secure a spot in the continental tournament, aiming to return after their last appearance in 2019.

Kenya have a solid track record against Zimbabwe, remaining unbeaten in their four previous encounters, with three wins and one draw.

Their most recent victory came in July during the COSAFA Cup, where Kenya triumphed 2-0, thanks to goals from Austin Odhiambo and Benson Omalla.

The team also boasts a 3-1 victory in an international friendly match in March and a 2-0 win during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers in 2008. The only draw between the two sides was 0-0 in 2008.

As the team heads into the qualifiers, one of the biggest concerns is the fitness of star striker and captain Michael Olunga. The Al Duhail forward, who has been a pivotal figure for Kenya, has been nursing an injury that has kept him sidelined since August 23.

Despite being named in the travelling squad, Olunga’s arrival in Uganda remains uncertain, casting doubt over his availability for the crucial match against Zimbabwe.

Olunga’s potential absence leaves a significant gap in the Harambee Stars’ attack, raising questions about who will step up to fill the void. Benson Omalla, who has been in fine form and scored against Zimbabwe in their recent COSAFA Cup clash, is one of the leading candidates.

The 21-year-old striker has shown promise and could be entrusted with leading the line if Olunga is not fit to play.

Other attacking options include Jonah Ayunga, who plies his trade in Scotland, and John Avire, who has been a reliable option in the past.

The team will also look to AFC Leopards man Victor Omune, a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line, to provide depth and firepower.

After facing Zimbabwe, Kenya will travel to South Africa to take on Namibia on September 10. Head coach Engin Firat is expected to adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity while looking to exploit Zimbabwe and Namibia on the counterattack.

The midfield will be key to Kenya’s success, with the likes of Kenneth Muguna, Anthony Akumu, and Timothy Ouma expected to run the show in the middle of the park. Firat will also rely on the experience of defenders such as Joseph Okumu and Eric Ouma to keep the opposition at bay.