Firat Names Harambee Stars Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his 25-man squad for the upcoming back-to-back 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Mali.

The Kenyan national team will face Mali on 7 October in Morocco, before flying back home to face for the home match on 10 October at the Nyayo National Stadium.

New coach Firat will be on the touchline for the first time after taking over the Harambee Stars coaching role in September following the sacking of Jacob Mulee.

One of the big names missing is Ovella Ochieng who recently joined South Africa Premier Soccer League side Marumo Giants.

Other players missing from the initial 34-man squad named in the middle of September are Sydney Lokale and Erick Zakayo.

Ovella was omitted after he excused himself from joining the Stars camp to concentrate on club duties.

The former Kariobangi Sharks winger joined Gallants in August, where he reunited with former Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne.

Firat will be hoping to get his tenure to a good start and has included a mix of experience and young players in the squad.

Traveling squad:

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo

Defenders

Joseph Okumu, Joash Onyango,  David Owino Odhiambo, Johnstone Omurwa, Eugene Asike, Daniel Sakari, David Owino Ambulu, Abud Omar, Eric Ouma, Bolton Omwenga.

Midfielders

Richard Odada, Lawrence Juma, Ismael Gonzalez, Kenneth Muguna, Duke Abuya, Boniface Muchiri, Eric Zakayo, Phillip Mayaka, Abdalla Hassan.

Forwards

Michael Olunga, Henry Meja, Eric Kapaito