The Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team, have announced their travelling squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Head coach Engin Firat has revealed a strong 26-man squad, with the team set to depart for Uganda on Monday, 2 September.
Kenya will first face Zimbabwe in Uganda on 6 September, before heading to South Africa for a second crucial clash against Namibia on 10 September.
Both matches are vital for Kenya’s chances of securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament, and Firat has assembled a mix of experienced players and promising talents to carry the nation’s hopes.
Among the key players set to join the squad in Uganda are captain Michael Olunga, the prolific Al-Duhail SC striker known for his goal-scoring prowess, and Jonah Ayunga, who plies his trade at St. Mirren in Scotland.
The defensive line will be bolstered by the presence of Joseph Okumu, who has been a rock at the back for Reims in France, while Eric Ouma, a dependable left-back for AIK in Sweden, is expected to add both defensive stability and attacking width.
The goalkeeping department features Levis Opiyo, Patrick Matasi, and Byrne Omondi, with Matasi likely to start given his wealth of experience on the international stage.
The defense will be marshaled by seasoned players such as Sharrif Majabe, Johnstone Omurwa, and Amos Nondi, with support from emerging talents like Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija.
In midfield, the dynamic Richard Odada, who recently joined Crvena Zvezda in Serbia, will be tasked with controlling the game’s tempo alongside experienced campaigners like Anthony Akumu and Kenneth Muguna.
The inclusion of young guns such as Timothy Ouma and Austine Odhiambo adds creativity and energy to the midfield options.
Upfront, the lethal combination of Olunga, Ayunga, and Benson Omalla promises goals, with John Avire and Victor Omune providing additional firepower.
The Harambee Stars face a challenging road ahead, but with Firat’s tactical acumen and the team’s blend of experience and youth, there is cautious optimism that Kenya can secure positive results in these crucial qualifiers. The entire nation will be watching closely as the Harambee Stars embark on their quest for AFCON 2025 glory.
Harambee Stars Squad
Goalkeepers
Levis Opiyo, Patrick Matasi, Byrne Omondi
Defenders
Sharrif Majabe, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Amos Nondi, Abud Omar, Eric Ouma, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija
Midfielders
Chris Erambo, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Eric Johanna, Ronney Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma
Forwards
John Avire, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, Victor Omune
