Harambee Stars name Alpha, Harper in squad for Russia match
By Collins Amanga, October 8, 2023
Harambee Stars’ head coach, Engin Firat, has released his provisional 23-man squad for their upcoming friendly against Russia.
Among the notable inclusions are Vincent Harper and Rooney Onyango, who have earned their maiden call-up to the national team.
Harambee Stars recall Ovela, Miheso
The coach has recalled Brian Bwire from Tusker, Ovella Ochieng based in South Africa, and Cliffton Miheso from AFC Leopards.
The foreign-based contingent comprises captain Michael Olunga, Masud Juma, Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Eric Ouma, Amos Nondi, Richard Odada, and Teddy Akumu
However, some players have been left out, including Daniel Anyembe, Clarke Oduor, Ian Otieno, Abud Omar, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Ayub Masika, and Elvis Rupia.
To prepare for this final friendly ahead of their World Cup Qualifiers in November, the team will travel on Monday, October 9, 2023, before they camp in Turkey.
Harambee Stars vs Russia
Harambee Stars are set to face Russia in an International Friendly match on October 16, 2023. Football Kenya Federation confirmed that the match is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, and is part of Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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This friendly encounter with Russia occurs during a period when the nation has faced bans from FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the Russian Government’s invasion of Ukraine. Consequently, Russia was excluded from participating in the World Cup in Qatar and various other tournaments.
Despite these bans, the Russia National Team has engaged in several friendly matches against various opponents, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Iraq, and Qatar.
As for Harambee Stars, they are entering this match following the lifting of their FIFA suspension and recent participation in matches against Iran, a four-nation tournament in Mauritius, as well as games against Qatar and South Sudan.
Looking ahead, Harambee Stars will return to International competitive action in November for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
They have been placed in Group F, alongside Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire, with the first leg of these qualifiers scheduled to be played from November 13 to November 21, 2023.
In this competition, the group winners will secure direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best runners-up from the groups will advance to the CAF Play-Off tournament, where the ultimate victor will earn a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, Bryne Odhiambo
Defenders
Joseph Stanley Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Erick Ouma, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, Amos Nondi
Midfielders
Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Ovella Ochieng
Forwards
Masoud Juma, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, Moses Shummah, Michael Olunga