Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has made sweeping changes to the Kenyan squad that will face South Sudan in the return leg of the CHAN 2024 first round qualifier set to be played at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda on Sunday.
After losing 2-0 to the Bright Stars in the first leg played last week in Juba, Firat has brought in eleven new players and dropped 13.
Abud Omar makes a comeback after missing a couple matches due to injury and will replace team captain Musa Mohammed who sustained an injury during the first leg.
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Joining Omar in the backline are Siraj Mohammed who plays for Bandari FC, Kariobangi Sharks defender Ian Karani, Charles Momanyi of Tusker FC and the experience David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng from Kenya Police FC.
They are complemented by Fidel Origa, Mooitian Leshan and Caleb Olilo of Posta Rangers.
In the attacking line, Ryan Ogam from Tusker, Moses Shumah of Kakamega Homeboyz and Francis Kahiro of KCB have been included to replace AFC Leopards forward Sydney Lokale along with his teammate Victor Omune and Mathew Tegisi of Shabana.
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Players axed from the squad include outstanding U20 goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala who won the Golden Glove Award at the U20 CECAFA 2024 tournament, injured Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija and his teammate Geoffrey Ochieng.
Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers) and Brian Eshihanda, who also played in defense, have also not been included.
Additionally, Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks) has not made the traveling squad while Mathias Isogol from Mara Sugar who received his first national team call up has also been dropped.
Although Kenya has already qualified for the main tournament next year, they continue to play in the qualifiers as they prepare to co-host the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
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Harambee Stars Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Faruk Shikalo (KCB).
Defenders
Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari), Ian Karani (Kariobangi Sharks), David Ochieng (Kenya Police FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Charles Momanyi (Tusker FC)
Midfielders
Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC), Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars), Fidel Origa (Bandari), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC), Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars), Caleb Olilo (Posta Rangers), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Mooitian Leshan (Ulinzi Stars)
Forwards
Patrick Otieno (KCB), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shuma (Kakamega Homeboyz), Francis Kahiro (KCB)
