Harambee Stars skipper Michael Olunga has expressed his disappointment on Kenya’s lack of action in the ongoing 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Kenya was set to battle five-time champions Cameroon, Namibia and regional neighbours Burundi in quest for AFCON participation ticket early next year in Ivory Coast but that dream was shuttered before match day one because of government interference in the affairs of running of the local game, leading to an agonizing suspension by FIFA.

Harambee Stars begin locked out completely until the 2025 qualifiers is yet another disturbing reality of the damaging effects of the prolonged FIFA suspension last year.

“It is a dream of every player to participate in any major competition and of course it is tough watching other teams playing right now in the ongoing qualifiers. We would have wanted to participate as well but this is something that was beyond our control and now we are starting from somewhere which is preparations for the next assignments,” said Olunga.

Olunga is upbeat ahead of the Iran test, noting that there has been excitement in the Harambee Stars camp and the Stars are ready to give their all against the former Asian champions at their backyard.

“All the players have shown quality and readiness for the challenge tomorrow in representing our country. It is going to be a first test against a good opponent and we shall give our best to get desired results”.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat spent better part of his open media session on Saturday explaining ejection of some players from the camp especially the issue of Benson Omalla.

The Gor Mahia youthful forward failure to make the cut in Firat’s final team sparked public outcry on Thursday last week considering that he is in top shape and currently, the Football Kenya Federation Premier League top scorer after netting 19 goals.

“First I don’t want to talk about any individual player. If we start discussing that then we will not have time for training. It is good to give these players time especially the young players. This way you give them pressure. Give them time and don’t be in a hurry.

Firat further noted that being a top scorer in a league doesn’t guarantee a player a position in the national team stating that every player has chance in his short and long term plans.

Harambee Stars players had a day off yesterday after a 10am arrival in Tehran from Nairobi.

The team will feel the Azadi Stadium today evening, with all set for the highly rated friendly match tomorrow 7PM (Kenya) against hosts Iran.