The Kenya National team, Harambee Stars, has today, Sunday, September 3, 2023, kicked off preparations for the upcoming international friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan.
Nine out of the ten local-based initially called up by coach Engin Firat have checked into camp save for Kenneth Muguna who is expected to arrive on Monday.
Masud Juma and Duke Abuya have also reported to camp with the rest of the squad expected in camp on Monday, September 4, 2023.
The team is set to depart for Qatar on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 1 a.m. ahead of the first of the friendlies set to be played on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Doha. Stars will fly back home on Friday, September 8, 2023, in time for their second friendly against South Sudan on September 12, 2023.
These friendlies serve as crucial preparation for their upcoming competitive assignment, the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In this tournament, they are placed in Group F alongside Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The first leg of the two-legged qualifiers is scheduled to be played between November 13th and 21st, 2023.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Byrne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC)
Defenders
Collins Sichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Clarke Oduor (England)
Midfielders
Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Stanley Wilson (Kariobangi Sharks)
Forwards
Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia)
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