Three Harambee Stars’ players that could be in Egypt for AFCON finals despite no or limited appearance in qualifiers

Dennis Oliech [Courtesy]

As league campaigns across the world approach the homestretch, the football faithful will be looking forward to major international footballing events that will be taking place simultaneously in different continents.

In Africa, we will be looking forward to the 2019 AFCON tournament that will be held in Egypt. One thing that is standing out on this year's competition is the emergence of Kenya national team's name on the participant's list after a long time out.

The Harambee Stars last qualified for the tournament in 2004 and have seen their efforts fall short on numerous occasions since then. With the Stars now having a chance to launch their bid to claim Africa's most coveted prize, there is set to be a high expectation rate among Kenyans who are eager to see their side make them proud.

The recent qualifying campaign saw Kenya register mixed results on their way to qualification, most notably, the 1-0 triumph against Ghana in the first leg of the group match and the 1-0 loss in Accra.

Despite the satisfactory results by the team, there have been mixed reactions from Kenyan netizens about some missing players from the squad during some qualifying matches.

The omission of Jesse Were from the squad that lost in Accra-Ghana sparked furious reactions from Kenyans who weren't satisfied with the coach's decision.

Game Yetu looks at three stars who could make it to Egypt despite not featuring in the Qualifiers.

Jesse Were

Jesse Were [Courtesy]

Despite being one of the most experienced guns in the Kenyan arsenal, Were's dream of representing the Stars in their first AFCON competition in 15 years is now in jeopardy.

The Attacker was axed from the Kenyan training camp ahead of the final qualifying match against Ghana in Accra which the Harambee stars lost 1-0.

The omission shows Migne's lack of faith in the winger, but the Zesco United star still has time to hit form just in time for the final squad to Egypt.

Dennis Oliech

Dennis Oliech [Courtesy]

The former Nantes, Auxerre and Ajaccio striker hasn't featured in any of the Harambee stars Qualifying matches perhaps due to less action since returning to the country from his long European stint.

Oliech has however started building his career once again since signing with Gor Mahia this year and if his double for K'Ogalo against Zoo Kericho in the recent Premier League match is anything to go by, then the veteran striker could be on the plane to Egypt.

Chris Mbamba

Chris Mbamba [Courtesy]

He is the newest Harambee stars' player having joined camp ahead of the final Afcon qualifier against Ghana.

The 27-year-old Sweden based player who previously played with the Swedish youth teams, earned a call up by coach Sebastian Migne perhaps for national team trial since he did not feature in the final squad.

He has since impressed the coach in training but will have to wait for his right moment, pending clearance from FIFA and the Sweden Football Association.

Many Kenyans will be hoping to see their new recruit on the plane to Egypt.