Sofapaka FC right-back Baron Ochieng has earned his first-ever call-up to the senior national team Harambee Stars. This is the first time the youngster has made a cut to the senior team after previous appearances in the junior ranks.
The Sofapaka man has seen a consistent rise in his football career. In December 2023, he was part of the Kenya Under 18 squad that represented the country at the 2023 CECAFA Junior Championships held in Kisumu and Kakamega. Furthermore, Baron was part of the Kenya Under 20 team in March of this year, representing the country at the Four Nations tournament in Malawi.
He is expected to join the squad in the afternoon today, Tuesday, May 4, 2024, alongside Daniel Anyembe and Collins Sichenje.
Baron Ochieng (in red) in action for the Kenya U20 Rising Stars in a friendly match against the Tusker FC Youth Team
Yesterday, Clifton Miheso, another late addition to the squad, participated in the team’s evening session. Miheso replaced Eric Johanna, who was dropped from the team.
Kenya plays two crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers: against Burundi on June 7 and against the African champions, Ivory Coast, on June 11, 2024. Both matches will be at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Coach Engin Firat mentioned that although the team would have preferred to play in Nairobi, they had to play in Lilongwe due to the prevailing circumstances. Firat expressed confidence that the team would give a good account of itself while recalling Harambee Stars’ past outings in Malawi had been fruitful.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno, Byrne Omondi, Patrick Matasi
Defenders
Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Zak Vyner, Alphonce Omija, Abud Omar, Daniel Anyembe, Tobias Knost, Baron Ochieng
Midfielders
John Ochieng, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Chrispine Erambo, Timothy Ouma, Duke Abuya, Kenneth Muguna, Austin Odhiambo, Ronney Onyango, Clifton Miheso
Forwards
John Avire, Benson Omalla, Michael Olunga