In this article…
Musa Mohammed, Alphonse Omija and Brian Eshihanda injured
Geoffrey Ochieng, Bonface Muchiri dropped
Francis Kahiro and Ryan Ogam included
Harambee Stars Final Squad
Kenya’s CHAN Qualifiers
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has introduced sweeping changes to Kenya’s squad for their return leg clash against South Sudan in the CHAN 2024 qualifiers. The match is set to take place at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, this Sunday. After a tough 2-0 loss to South Sudan in the first leg in Juba, Firat has responded by adding fresh talent, bringing in eleven new players and dropping thirteen from the team.
This strategic overhaul comes with hopes of overturning the deficit and securing a stronger showing in the qualifiers. Though Kenya has already qualified for CHAN 2024 due to its role as co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Firat’s adjustments underline his intent to refine the squad and assess emerging talent ahead of the main tournament next year.
Defense Reinforced with Experience and Fresh Faces
The defense sees notable inclusions. Abud Omar, an experienced full-back, makes his return after recovering from an injury that had sidelined him for recent matches. Omar steps in to replace team captain Alphonse Omija, who picked up an injury in training. His experience will be pivotal, bringing defensive stability and leadership to the backline.
Other reinforcement in defense are Siraj Mohammed from Bandari FC and Ian Karani from Kariobangi Sharks. Both players bring a promising mix of youth and skill, likely to strengthen the team’s resilience. Tusker FC’s Charles Momanyi and seasoned veteran David “Cheche” Ochieng from Kenya Police FC who is a direct replacement for Musa Mohammed adds depth to this restructured defense. With his years of experience, Ochieng’s presence is expected to bolster the defense’s organization.
Midfield Adjustments for Creativity and Control
In midfield, Firat has introduced several versatile players. Bandari’s Fidel Origa joins the squad, bringing both defensive skills and playmaking ability. Ulinzi Stars’ Mooitian Leshan also gets a call-up, reinforcing the central midfield options. Another addition, Caleb Olilo from Posta Rangers, is known for his agility and passing precision, which should help create goal-scoring opportunities from deeper areas of the field.
Firat’s approach to the midfield setup highlights his focus on maintaining balance, combining physicality with technical skill to control possession. This refreshed midfield is geared towards supporting both the defense and attack, ensuring a seamless transition between the two phases of play.
A Revamped Attack with Rising Stars
The attacking lineup also sees notable changes, with the inclusion of Ryan Ogam from Tusker FC, Moses Shumah of Kakamega Homeboyz, and Francis Kahiro of KCB. Ogam has been in remarkable form, netting five goals in his last four league appearances. Shumah and Kahiro are similarly lethal in front of goal, with Kahiro scoring five goals in seven league matches. These forwards bring goal-scoring momentum and fresh energy, replacing AFC Leopards’ Sydney Lokale, Victor Omune, and Shabana’s Mathew Tegisi, who have been left out of the squad.
Firat’s new forward selections highlight a shift toward youthful attackers who can press high and take advantage of scoring opportunities. Given their recent performances, Ogam, Shumah, and Kahiro are poised to make a significant impact on the field.
Key Omissions Raise Questions
Thirteen players were dropped, including some surprising exclusions. Notably, U20 goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala, who won the Golden Glove at the U20 CECAFA 2024 tournament, didn’t make the cut. Wanzala’s exclusion signals Firat’s preference for more experienced hands between the posts, leaving Byrne Odhiambo from Bandari and Faruk Shikalo from KCB as the chosen goalkeepers.
Also omitted is Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, who has been sidelined due to injury. His teammate Geoffrey Ochieng, along with defenders Bernard Ondiek of Posta Rangers and Brian Eshihanda of Kakamega Homeboyz, are also not part of the squad. Midfielders Andreas Odhiambo of Kariobangi Sharks and Mathias Isogol from Mara Sugar, who were initially called up, have been dropped as well.
The squad reshuffle also sees Boniface Muchiri, Clifford Otieno, Sydney Lokale, Victor Omune, and Mathew Tegisi left out. Captain Musa Mohammed, who led the team in their 2-0 defeat in Juba, is absent due to an injury sustained in the first half of the game. His leadership on the field will be missed, but Firat hopes that the incoming players will provide the necessary boost to recover from the first-leg loss.
Harambee Stars’ Final Squad for South Sudan Clash
Here’s the list of players who made the cut for the return leg against South Sudan:
Goalkeepers:
– Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari)
– Faruk Shikalo (KCB)
Defenders:
– Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC)
– Siraj Mohammed (Bandari)
– Ian Karani (Kariobangi Sharks)
– David Ochieng (Kenya Police FC)
– Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
– Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)
– Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC)
Midfielders:
– Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
– Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
– Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars)
– Fidel Origa (Bandari)
– Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC)
– Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars)
– Caleb Olilo (Posta Rangers)
– Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
– Mooitian Leshan (Ulinzi Stars)
Forwards:
– Patrick Otieno (KCB)
– Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC)
– Moses Shuma (Kakamega Homeboyz)
– Francis Kahiro (KCB)
Outlook for Sunday’s Game
With these fresh adjustments, Firat is evidently aiming for a more balanced and competitive side. The return of experienced players like David Ochieng and Abud Omar, coupled with the inclusion of emerging stars, signals a blend of wisdom and youthful energy. The coach has revamped his defense, midfield, and attack to adapt to the pressing challenges posed by South Sudan.
The challenge will be tough. However, with this new lineup, Harambee Stars have a good chance to overturn the first-leg result. Firat’s tactical changes and player choices reflect a desire to field a resilient team capable of fighting back and restoring pride.
As Kenya looks to make a comeback in Kampala, Firat’s selections and strategic adjustments will be closely watched. This game offers an opportunity to test the depth of talent within Harambee Stars’ squad as they gear up for CHAN 2024 and aim for a positive result in Uganda.