Sports Correspondent

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, will face Zimbabwe in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier, with coach Engin Firat announcing the squad that will travel to South Africa for the crucial Group J encounter.

The match, initially scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe, will now be hosted in South Africa at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane due to the unavailability of approved stadiums in Zimbabwe. The game will take place on Friday, November 15, with a 6:00 PM CAT kick-off.

Kenya will then face Namibia in their final Group J fixture on November 19, also at Peter Mokaba Stadium. The Stars will be hoping to secure vital points as they push for a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.

The Squad

Coach Engin Firat has named a strong squad for the double-header against Zimbabwe and Namibia. The selection includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.

Goalkeepers

Byrne Odhiambo

Faruk Shikhalo

Ian Otieno

The goalkeeping department is well-represented with three seasoned shot-stoppers, providing competition for the starting role.

Defenders

Daniel Anyembe

Amos Wanjala

Amos Nondi

Joseph Okumu

Johnstone Omurwa

Charles Momanyi

Eric Ouma

Abud Omar

The defensive lineup features a blend of youth and experience, with key players like Eric Ouma and Charles Momanyi expected to play crucial roles in keeping Zimbabwe’s attack at bay.

Midfielders

Anthony Akumu

Marvin Nabwire

Duke Abuya

Timothy Ouma

Richard Odada

Austine Odhiambo

Ronney Onyango

Alfred Scriven

Leshan Mootian

Adam Wilson

Kenya’s midfield is packed with talent, including Anthony Akumu, a key figure in the midfield, and several emerging stars like Leshan Mootian and Adam Wilson, who will be looking to impress.

Forwards

Michael Olunga

Jonah Ayunga

John Avire

The attacking department will be led by star striker Michael Olunga, who is expected to spearhead Kenya’s efforts to find the back of the net. Jonah Ayunga and John Avire add depth and versatility to the forward line.

Looking Ahead

Kenya’s upcoming encounters with Zimbabwe and Namibia will be vital in their bid to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament. The Harambee Stars will be eager to build on recent improvements under Firat’s leadership, with the squad set to face a tough challenge in Polokwane. As the qualifiers heat up, every point will count as Kenya looks to secure a place in the prestigious continental tournament.

The players will now shift their focus to the matches ahead, with fans across Kenya hopeful of a strong showing on the road.