Kenya:Captain Olunga Returns as Coach Firat Unveils Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025 Clash Against Cameroon

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya’s national soccer team head coach Engin Firat has named his provisional squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon.

The first leg of the double-header is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, followed by the return leg on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.

The 28-man squad consists of local-based players and foreign nationals.

Among the local players are Gor Mahia’s quintet of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo. Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi’s Boniface Muchiri also made the cut.

Tusker FC midfielder David Odoyo receives his first senior national team call-up. At the same time, AFC Leopards' Sydney Lokale returns to the fold after a prolonged absence.

Captain Michael Olunga returns to the team after missing qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia due to injury.

Other foreign-based players are defender Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Alfred Scriven, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Richard Odada, who plies his trade with Dundee United.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)

Defenders

Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa (Abha), Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow)

Midfielders

David Odoyo (Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), John Ochieng (Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)

Forwards

John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK)