Harambee Stars brace for Malawi tournament

Harambee Stars training ahead of their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers matches to be played in Gabon and Seychelles at Moi International sports centre, Kasarani Annex. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, is abuzz with anticipation as they gear up for an international face-off in the upcoming four-nation tournament featuring Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The provisional squad, an eclectic mix of local heroes and international stalwarts, has been meticulously selected under the stewardship of the coaching staff.

The goalkeeping department is fortified with a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, featuring Ian Otieno from Zesco in Zambia, Patrick Matasi from Kenya Police, Byrne Odhiambo of Bandari, and Bonphas Munyasa from Muranga Seal. Their guardianship of the net will be pivotal to the Stars' defense strategy.

In defense, the Stars boast a contingent of international players with Collins Sichenje from AIK in Sweden, Joseph Okumu of Reims in France, Johnstone Omurwa from Estrela in Portugal, Dennis Ng’ang’a at Zanaco in Zambia, and Daniel Anyembe from Viborg in Denmark. They are complemented by local and regional talents like Amos Nondi, Abud Omar from Kenya Police, Eric Ouma of Rakow in Poland, Alphonce Omija, and Rooney Onyango from GOR Mahia, all bringing a robust presence to the backline.

Midfield dynamism is not in short supply with the likes of Kaycie Odhiambo from AFC Leopards, Chris Erambo of Tusker, Richard Odada at Aalborg in Denmark, Anthony Akumu who is currently unattached, Kenneth Muguna from Kenya Police, and Eric Johanna of UTA in Romania. Their role will be critical in linking play and forging opportunities for the attacking front.

The forward line is graced with the talents of John Avire, Michael Olunga from Duhail in Oman, Jonah Ayunga of ST. Mirren in Scotland, and Benson Omalla alongside Shariff Musa from Gor Mahia. Ayub Timbe from Sebail in Azerbaijan and David Sakwa from Bandari complete the attacking options, each bringing their own brand of agility and sharpness in front of the goal.

Full squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco-Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Bonphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal)

Defenders

Collins Sichenje (AIK-Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela-Portugal), Dennis Ng’ang’a (Zanaco Zambia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg-Denmark), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland), Alphonce Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Rooney Onyango (GOR Mahia)

Midfileders

Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Aalborg-Denmark), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Eric Johanna (UTA-Romania)

Forwards

John Avire (Sekka), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sebail-Azeberijan), David Sakwa (Bandari)