Gor Mahia attacker makes latest Harambee Stars squad entry
By Collins Amanga, August 29, 2023
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has made two notable additions to the provisional squad for the upcoming friendlies against Qatar on September 7, 2023, and South Sudan on September 12, 2023.
Firat’s latest squad includes Austin Odhiambo and Bradford City’s versatile player, Clarke Oduor. These additions come after they were not initially included in the squad announced on Monday.
Harambee Stars statement
“Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo Gets the Nod! Included in the Provisional Squad for Our Upcoming September Friendlies,” Harambee Stars’ announced.
The squad is set to report to camp on Sunday, September 3, 2023.
Firat has chosen to retain most of the players who participated in the Four Nations tournament in Mauritius during the previous international window.
Ayub Timbe makes a return to the squad after an absence, along with Patrick Matasi. Matasi had a challenging match that resulted in a 2-1 loss to Iran. Additionally, Alfred Scriven and Timothy Ouma are back in the squad.
Okumu back in Harambee Stars
Joseph Okumu, currently with Stade Reims, and Brian Mandela, who were unavailable during the Four Nations tournament due to injuries, have been called up for this round of fixtures.
Moses Shumah and Elvis Rupia have secured places in the squad, alongside captain Michael Olunga.
Harambee Stars will use these friendly matches to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The team has been placed in Group F for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, competing against Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The first leg of the two-legged qualifiers is scheduled to take place between November 13 and November 21, 2023.
The group winners will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, and the top four runners-up from the groups will advance to the CAF Play-Off tournament. The winner of the CAF Play-Off will secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This marks the national team’s return to CAF and FIFA action following a year-long FIFA ban.