By Debra Rono
Harambee Stars departed from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday, September 2nd, en route to Uganda for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Zimbabwe, scheduled for September 6th, 2024, at 4 PM EAT.
On Tuesday morning, the team engaged in training in preparation for this highly anticipated match, which Kenya aims to win to enhance its prospects of participating in the AFCON 2025.
The team shared their enthusiasm on their X page with the post titled “1st Training Session in Uganda,” reflecting their determination ahead of the match, which will be held at Stade Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Following the encounter with Zimbabwe, Harambee Stars will travel to South Africa on September 7th, 2024, for another AFCON qualifier against Namibia on September 10th, 2024.
Coach Engin Firat had earlier announced the final squad that will compete against Zimbabwe and Namibia in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers. The squad, captained by Michael Olunga, includes Bryne Omondi, Levis Opiyo, and Patrick Matasi as goalkeepers.
The defence will feature Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Amos Nondi, Erick Ouma, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Sharrif Majabe, and Sylvester Owino.
The midfield will consist of Anthony Akumu, Austin Odhiambo, Austin Odhia, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Eric Johana, Kenneth Muquna, Richard Odada, Ronney Onyango, and Timothy Ouma.
The attacking forwards will include Benson Omalla, John Avir, Jonah Ayunga, Michael Olunga, and Victor Omune.
Kenya was pooled with Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, and should they succeed, it will mark their seventh appearance in the competition, following their participation in 1972, 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004, and 2019.
Kenya did not qualify for AFCON 2023 after being eliminated in the group stage, having also missed the qualifiers due to a nine-month ban imposed by FIFA, which cited government interference in the management of the national football federation.