Kenya head coach, Engin Firat, on Wednesday, named a 28-man provisional squad for their upcoming double header against Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers this month.
The 54-year-old Turkish coach has called upon a mix of home-based players and foreign-based stars as they gear up for preparation for Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.
Firat’s list of Foreign-based players is headlined by team captain and Al-Duhail’s prolific striker Michael Olunga. Other names include defender Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Alfred Scriven, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Dundee United’s Richard Odada.
However, the invited Kenya-based players include Gor Mahia’s quintet of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo. Additionally, Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi’s Boniface Muchiri were also named to the list.
MeanwhileTusker FC midfielder David Odoyo receives his first senior national team call-up, while AFC Leopards’ Sydney Lokale makes a return to the team after a prolonged absence.
The Harambee Stars will reportedly begin their training camp on Friday, October 4, a week from the first of their double-header against Cameroon.
Kenya, Group J leaders, will visit the Japoma Stadium in Douala, on Friday, October 11, for the first leg of the rencounter against the five-time African champions. They will then play out the return fixture behind closed doors at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, on Monday, October 14.
Full 28-man Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers; Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari).
Defenders; Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa (Abha), Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow).
Midfielders; David Odoyo (Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), John Ochieng (Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars).
Forwards; John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (St. Mirren-Scotland), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK).
