Harambee Stars aim to bounce back against South Sudan in CHAN qualifier

Harambee Stars U23 starting squad against Zambia's Chipolopolo (C) COSAFA Media

By Rama Mohammed
Sunday, November 3, 2024

Harambee Stars are gearing up for a crucial CHAN qualifier against South Sudan this afternoon at Namboole Stadium in Uganda. After a disappointing 2-0 loss in the first leg, the team is focused on turning things around to secure their place in the final qualification round.

This afternoon, Harambee Stars will host South Sudan at Namboole Stadium in Uganda for a vital CHAN qualifier. The team is determined to overturn a 2-0 defeat from the first leg and secure a place in the final qualification round.

Although Kenya has already qualified for next year’s CHAN tournament as a co-host with Uganda and Tanzania, this match presents a chance to gauge the team's performance ahead of the competition, which only includes players from local leagues.

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If Kenya can overcome the first-leg loss, they will face the winner of the Rwanda vs. Djibouti match in the final qualification round. Coach Engin Firat emphasizes the importance of this game for further refining his squad.

After the surprising loss in Juba last week, Firat made significant changes, dropping 13 players and initially bringing in 11 new ones. On Saturday, he added Kenya Police FC midfielder Tyson Otieno to the squad, who arrived early Sunday morning.

Kenya is playing the return leg in Uganda due to a lack of CAF-approved stadiums at home, a situation midfielder Austin Odhiambo describes as challenging. “The only downside is missing home support,” he noted. “South Sudan benefited from their crowd’s energy in the first leg, and we need that kind of backing too.”

Despite the squad changes, Odhiambo remains optimistic, highlighting the familiarity among the players. “Most of us have played together, either at our clubs or with the national team. That connection gives us a strong chance to win.”

Kick-off is set for 4 PM.

Harambee Stars Squad in Uganda

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), Tyson Otieno (Kenya Police FC), Austin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Mooitian Leshan (Ulinzi Stars)

Forwards: Patrick Otieno (KCB), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shuma (Kakamega Homeboyz), Francis Kahiro (KCB)