Harambee Stars begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a match against Zimbabwe on Friday, August 6, 2024.
Eyes will be on head coach Engin Firat to see how the tactician will construct his starting line that will face the The Warriors from the COSAFA nation.
With key players absent, Firat already has enough headaches to deal with even before the match kicks off at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga, Johsntone Omuwa, Daniel Anyembe, and Collins Sichenje are among the experienced players who will not be available for Kenya. Others are Tobias Knost and Timothy Ouma.
Olunga’s absence is a big blow given that he is the captain and the most prolific striker Kenya has, and an injury has denied the nation his services.
Possible line-up:
Patrick Matasi
The former Tusker star has been a consistent candidate for the goalkeeping roles. The Police FC custodian has remained the preferred choice for Firat since he replaced Bryne Omondi after an injury during a friendly against Russia late last year.
He is expected to keep the national gloves once again.
Alphonce Omija
With Anyembe not available, Omija is expected to take up the role. He can play in a number of positions, making him a hybrid star within the Harambee Stars set-up.
During a 2026 World Cup against Ivory Coast in Malawi, he produced a strong show that saw him win the Man of the Match award.
As Kenya begin the campaign for the continental finals showpiece, he needs to be on top of his game.
Sylvester Owino
He is expected to partner with Joseph Okumu at the heart of the defence.
Joseph Okumu
His experience and towering physique are expected to give Kenya a competitive edge at the back.
Aboud Omar
The Police fullback is expected to take charge of the left-back position even though Erick Ouma is available.
Richard Odada
Odada, who recently signed a deal with his new side Dundee United, is expected to be deployed in the deep midfield.
Teddy Akumu
Should Firat choose a midfield that will provide an impervious cover for the back four, then Akumu must give Odada company against Zimbabwe.
Rooney Onyango
The Gor Mahia star, given that he has earned the coach’s trust in most games, is expected to be deployed as a right winger.
John Avire
As he hopes to prove his worth since his return to the national team setup, should the former Sofapaka forward be deployed as a left winger, he needs to grab that chance.
Kenneth Muguna
His creativity and versatility make him an undisputable candidate to fill the attacking midfielder’s position.
Benson Omala
The former Gor Mahia striker has been Olunga’s understudy in a number of games now. With the skipper’s absence, Omala, if given the chance, should grab it by producing top-level performance.
