Gor Mahia’s attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo has finally earned his maiden call-up to the national football team, Harambee Stars ahead of next month’s World Cup Qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Odhiambo was previously left out of the Four Nations Tournament squad with the move causing backlash within the fan.
The 2023/24 FKF-PL’s top creator joins Kenya Police defender Brian Okoth, Tobias Knost of SV Verl (Germany), Australia based Bruce Kamau and Bradford City’s Adam Wilson who have also earned their first call-ups.
Surprisingly, Kenyan captain Micheal Olunga and regular defensive midfielder Richard Odada are some of the notable names missing from the 25-man provisional squad while Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe and Eric Marcelo Ouma remain side-lined.
FKF gave no explanation as to why Olunga, the team captain and talisman hasn’t been considered in the provisional list, but said head coach Engin Firat will answer ‘all the necessary questions’ on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Tanzania based duo Duke Abuya and Elvis Rupia have returned to the fold after missing the Four Nations Tournament.
Harambee Stars are expected to pitch camp at Kasarani Annex from Tuesday, ahead of the two ties to be played in Malawi on June 7 and 11.
The matches were moved to Bingu National Stadium in Malawi after Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadiums were closed for renovation ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya shall jointly co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Kenya Currently sit third in Group F on three points from two matches. The group also comprises Africa champions Ivory Coast, Gabon, Burundi, Gambia and Seychelles
Harambee Stars Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Bonphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal), Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia)
Defenders
Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Alphonse Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Brian Okoth (Kenya Police), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Tobias Knost (SV Verl, Germany)
Midfielders
John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia), Eric Johanna (UTA, Romania), Adam Wilson (Bradford City, England), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sabail, Azerbaijan), Duke Abuya (IHEFU, Tanzania), Bruce Kamau (Perth Glory, Australia)
Forwards
John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid SC, Egypt), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (IHEFU, Tanzania)
