Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga during a past training session. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has made a highly anticipated return to the national team as head coach Engin Firat named his provisional squad for Kenya’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Cameroon.
Olunga, who missed out on the World Cup qualifiers last month against Zimbabwe and Namibia, is expected to lead the charge as Kenya aims to secure a spot in the prestigious continental tournament.
While Olunga’s return has boosted the squad’s morale, one notable absentee is ex-Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla, who has been left out of the 28-man squad.
Coach Firat has opted to go with a mix of experienced foreign-based players and promising local talent as Harambee Stars prepare for the crucial double-header against the Indomitable Lions, scheduled between October 7-15.
Among the domestic players called up are Gor Mahia’s Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo. Other key local inclusions are Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi Stars' Boniface Muchiri.
A major highlight is the first senior national team call-up for Tusker FC midfielder David Odoyo, while AFC Leopards’ Sydney Lokale returns to the squad after an extended absence.
Olunga, who has been in stellar form with Al-Duhail in Qatar, will headline the foreign-based contingent, which also includes defender Daniel Anyembe of Viborg, Johnstone Omurwa (Abha), and Eric Ouma of Rakow.
Dundee United’s Richard Odada, who has been a regular in recent national team setups, adds solidity to the midfield.
The team will enter a residential camp on Friday, October 4, ahead of the first leg at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, on Friday, October 11.
The return leg will be held three days later, on Monday, October 14, at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, though the match will be played behind closed doors.
These fixtures are critical for Kenya’s quest to qualify for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, and the squad selection reflects Firat’s ambition to blend youthful energy with seasoned experience.
Kenya Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers
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), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
Forwards:
John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail), Jonah Ayunga (St. Mirren), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK)