Firat names 28 players as Kenya prepares to tackle Cameroon

Harambee Stars' head coach Engin Firat has named a 28-man provisional roster for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers double-header against Cameroon.

Stars are expected to report to a residential camp on Friday before their first encounter against the Indomitable Lions at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on October 11.

The two teams will settle scores in the reverse fixture in Kampala, Uganda, on October 14 with Kenya attempting to guarantee their spot in the esteemed competition that will be held in Morocco.

The 28-man roster is a scintillating blend of maturity and youthful exuberance with 21-time Kenyan champions Gor Mahia proving the dominant supply belt of local-based players.

K'Ogalo boasts of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango and Austine Odhiambo in the talent-laden squad.

The versatile midfield duo of Boniface Muchiri of Ulinzi Stars and Bandari FC's Byrne Omondi also join the roster, increasing the local representation with Tusker's David Odoyo receiving a maiden call-up.

Sydney Lokale of the AFC Leopards returns to the national team after a lengthy absence.

Team captain Michael Olunga has also made the squad after missing out on the last two qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia. The  Al-Duhail striker has been in scorching form in Qatar, burning holes in the net at whim.

He is expected to sharpen the attack alongside John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (St. Mirren-Scotland), Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints) and Lokale (AFC Leopards),

Daniel Anyembe, who plies trade for Viborg FF in Denmark, is expected to partner with Abha Club's Johnstone Omurwa in the central defence. They will find solace in Kakamega School alumnus Eric Ouma, a reliable left-back from Raków Częstochowa, who is well-known for picking out strikers with pinpoint crosses down the left channel. Harambee Stars currently tops Group J with 4 points.

Harambee Stars' last engagement was an encouraging 2-1 win over  Namibia at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The win saw Kenya get their qualifying campaign back on track following a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in their opening Group J fixture played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.

The three points took Harambee Stars to the top spot in the group jointly with Cameroon on four points but Kenya boasts a superior goal difference.

Group leaders and runners-up will qualify for the Afcon 2025 tournament set for Morocco.

The last time Kenya qualified for the premier biennial continental showpiece was in 2019 in Egypt, where they were bundled out in the preliminary stage.

Harambee Stars provisional squad:

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), Chrispin Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), John Ochieng (Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)

Forwards

John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)