Harambee Stars Coach Firat Names Squad Against Gabon, Seychelles In 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Harambee Stars’ coach, Engin Firat, has revealed the 28-man provisional squad set to represent Kenya in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles.
The diverse squad features a mix of local talents and internationally-based players, including some noteworthy call-ups and returns.
Newcomers to the squad include Orlando City’s Nabi Kibunguchy, Murang’a Seal’s Eric Balecho, and KCB’s Hanif Wesonga, all earning their maiden call-ups. Additionally, the team sees the return of Gaborone United’s Duncan Otieno, Elfsborg’s Timothy Ouma, and UTA ARAD’s Eric Johanna from Romania.
Gor Mahia’s Geoffrey Ochieng, who has been making waves in the FKF Premier League, also secures his place in the squad. The team boasts a blend of experience and fresh talent as they gear up for the crucial qualifiers.
Harambee Stars is scheduled to face Gabon on Thursday, November 16, 2023, in Franceville, followed by a match against Seychelles on Monday, November 20, 2023, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Foreign-based players are expected to join the squad on November 10, 2023, with the first training session scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023. The team is set to depart for Gabon on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 8 am.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers have placed Kenya in Group F alongside challenging opponents such as Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.
Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police)
- Ian Otieno (Zesco)
- Joseph Ochuka (Bandari)
Defenders:
- Nabi Kibunguchy (Orlando City)
- Hanif Wesonga (KCB)
- Abud Omar (Kenya Police)
- Daniel Sakari (Tusker)
- Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia)
- Daniel Anyembe (Viborg)
- Eric Ouma (AIK)
- Joseph Okumu (Reims)
- Johnstone Omurwa (CF Estrela)
- Amos Nondi (Ararat)
Midfielders:
- Duncan Otieno (Gaborone United)
- Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu)
- Duke Abuya (Singida)
- Ayub Masika (Nanjing City)
- Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police)
- Eric Balecho (Murang Seal)
- Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Eric Johanna (UTA ARAD)
- Richard Odada (Aalborg)
- Alfred Scriven (Hodd)
- Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg)
Forwards:
- Masud Juma (Al Faisaly)
- Michael Olunga (Al Duhail)
- Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz)
- Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)
Harambee stars squad
