Omalla back as Harambee Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers named

Gor Mahia's Benson Omalla celebrate after scoring a goal against Posta Rangers during FkF Premier League match at Nyayo National stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Stars’ coach Engin Firat has unveiled a 28-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles.

The squad has a blend of local and internationally-based players, with Orlando city’s Nabi Kibunguchy, Murang’a Seal’s Eric Balecho and KCB’s Hanif Wesonga earning their maiden call-ups.

Gaborone United’s Duncan Otieno, Elfsborg’s Timothy Ouma, and UTA ARAD’s (Romania) Eric Johanna also make a return to the team.

There is also room for Gor Mahia’s Geoffrey Ochieng who has impressed for the FKF Premier League defending champions Gor Mahia.

Harambee Stars will first play against Gabon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Franceville, and then against Seychelles on Monday, November 20, 2023 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Foreign based players are expected to start checking in today, November 10, 2023. The team’s first training session shall be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Departure to Gabon has been slated for Wednesday November 15, 2023 at 8am.

Kenya has been drawn in Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.

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)