Harambee Stars Head Coach Engin Firat has made significant changes to his squad that is prepared to face South Sudan for the return leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers.
Firat has blended seasoned players and emerging talents into his squad which will lock horns with South Sudan on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Uganda.
The Turkish gaffer will be hoping to record an impressive result after starting their 2024 CHAN qualifiers off to a losing start following a 2-0 defeat away to South Sudan.
Players called up
The 11 new players who have travelled with the team include Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari), Ian Karani (Kariobangi Sharks), David Ochieng (Kenya Police FC) and Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC).
Others are Fidel Origa (Bandari), Caleb Olilo (Posta Rangers), Mooitian Leshan (Ulinzi Stars), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shuma (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Francis Kahiro (KCB).
The new players will have an opportunity to showcase their talents ahead of the tournament which Kenya will co-host in February 2025.
Dropped
The Turkish gaffer dropped over 10 players who were named in the squad that faced South Sudan in the first tie. The list features some notable names including Gor Mahia Defender Alphonce Omija, Musa Mohammed, Victor Omune and Sydney Lokale.
Others axed from the squad include goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers), Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz) and Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks).
Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar) and Mathew Tegisi (Shabana) have also been shown the door.
However, Firat retained some key players such as Gor Mahia’s midfield maestro Austine Odhiambo, fast-rising Tusker FC midfielder Chrispine Erambo and utility Gor Mahia player Ronney Onyango.
Here is the full travelling squad
Goalkeepers
Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Faruk Shikalo (KCB).
Defenders
Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari), Ian Karani (Kariobangi Sharks), David Ochieng (Kenya Police FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC).
Midfielders
Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars), Fidel Origa (Bandari), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars), Caleb Olilo (Posta Rangers), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Mooitian Leshan (Ulinzi Stars).
Forwards
Patrick Otieno (KCB),Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shuma (Kakamega Homeboyz), Francis Kahiro (KCB).
