Head coach Engin Firat is confident that Harambee Stars have a good chance to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Firat is hopeful despite Kenya dropping crucial points following defeats against Cameroon in two back-to-back qualifiers. Next, Kenya are scheduled to play Namibia and Zimbabwe in crucial games, and Firat says his players are ready.
“The matches are very important for us; we want to win, and we will try our best to do it; the boys will be mentally ready.
“We need to put them together physically and tactically, and we have a good chance. We are not afraid, and if everything goes according to plan, we will be at AFCON,” Firat said, as quoted by a local publication.
Dropped players
The Turkish tactician explained why he dropped Patrick Matasi, who was in goal against the Indomitable Lions, as well as Alphonce Omija and Collins Shichenje.
“Depends on how our rivals play, which players are in form, and whatever, we also had the CHAN games where I can compare players.
“Maybe some players are more focused on clubs and whatever, so therefore we try to find what is the best team.
“The reality is that we do not have players in the top leagues in Europe; therefore, it is very important for us to have a united team,” he added.
Kenya’s qualifiers against their COSAFA rivals are set to take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Harambee Stars left for South Africa on Monday, November 11, 2024, before their match against The Warriors on Friday, November 15, and will face Namibia on Tuesday, November 19.
Final squad
Goalkeepers: Byrne Odhiambo, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno
Defenders: Daniel Anyembe, Amos Wanjala, Amos Nondi, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Charles Momanyi, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar
Midfielders: Anthony Akumu, Marvin Nabwire, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Austine Odhiambo, Ronney Onyango, Alfred Scriven, Leshan Mootian, Adam Wilson
Forwards: Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire
