Harambee Stars Announce Provisional Squad For AFCON Qualifiers

Harambee Stars, Kenya's national football team, has unveiled its provisional squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The team will face Zimbabwe and Namibia in their opening two matches, scheduled for September 2nd and 10th, respectively. 

Key Players And Notable Absences 

The provisional squad features a blend of experienced internationals and promising young talents. Some of the notable names include:  Michael Olunga: The star striker, currently playing for Al Duhail in Qatar, is expected to lead the attack. Joseph Okumu: The towering defender, who has been impressive in Belgium, will be a key figure in the backline. Eric Johanna: The versatile midfielder, based in Sweden, brings his attacking prowess to the team.

While the squad boasts a strong contingent of foreign-based players, there are also notable absences. Ayub Timbe and Daniel Anyembe, both experienced internationals, have not been included in the squad. The reasons for their exclusion remain unclear.

 Coach Engin Firat's Expectations 

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has expressed his confidence in the squad's ability to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON. "We have a talented group of players who are eager to represent their country," Firat said. "Our goal is to qualify for the tournament and make Kenya proud." 

AFCON 2025 Qualifiers 

The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will be a crucial test for Harambee Stars, who have been absent from the tournament since 2019. The team will need to navigate a challenging group stage, which also includes Cameroon, one of the continent's footballing powerhouses.