Firat names Harambee Stars final squad for AFCON qualifiers
By Amanga Collins, September 1, 2024
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has announced the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia, scheduled for September 6 and 10, 2024.
The travelling team includes AFC Leopards players Levis Opiyo and Victor Omune, who was named Player of the Season for 2023/24. Also included in the squad are Sylvester Owino, Amos Nondi, and Eric Johana.
Harambee Stars pick Ayunga
St Mirren striker John Ayunga returns to the squad after missing the previous international break.
According to the Football Kenya Federation, Captain Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, and Richard Odada are set to join the team in Uganda.
Missing out on the final list are Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Collins Sichenje (Vodvojina), Kayci Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Patrick Otieno (KCB), Clifton Miheso (AFC Leopards), and John Avire (P. Suez).
The team will face Zimbabwe on September 6, 2024, in Uganda, followed by a match against Namibia on September 10, 2024, in South Africa. The squad will depart for Uganda on September 2, 2024, and travel to South Africa on September 7, 2024.
Forty-eight African nations will compete in the qualifiers for the 35th edition of the AFCON, aiming to challenge reigning champions Ivory Coast, coached by Emerse Fae.
The qualifiers, running from September to November 2024, will see the top team and runner-up from each of the eleven groups—excluding Morocco, the tournament host—advance to the finals.
The next Africa Cup of Nations will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Harambee Stars final 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