Timbe, Scriven in Harambee Stars provisional squad ahead of Qatar, S. Sudan dates

Harambee Stars‘ head coach, Engin Firat, has unveiled the provisional squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan.

Kenya are scheduled to play Qatar, the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in an away match on September 7, 2023, and will then face South Sudan at home on September 12, 2023.

Harambee Stars retain majority

Firat has opted to retain the majority of the players who featured in the Four Nations tournament in Mauritius during the previous international window.

Ayub Timbe makes a return to the squad after a considerable absence, as does Patrick Matasi, whose struggles led to their 2-1 loss to Iran. Alfred Scriven and Timothy Ouma are also back in the squad.

Joseph Okumu, currently with Stade Reims, and Brian Mandela, who were absent in the Four Nations tournament due to injuries, have been recalled.

Moses Shumah and Elvis Rupia have earned spots in the squad, alongside captain Michael Olunga.

Stars assignments

The team is set to report to camp on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Harambee Stars will use these matches as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Harambee Stars has been placed in Group F for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, alongside 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 directly qualify for 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 after a year-long FIFA ban.

Harambee Stars Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC)

Defenders

Collins Shichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police)

Midfielders

Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden),  Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Abdallah Hasan (Bandari), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway)

Forwards

Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia)