Amos Wanjala, a young, talented defender from Kenya, has earned a well-deserved place in the Harambee Stars squad for the final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia. Selected by head coach Engin Firat, Wanjala’s inclusion comes as Kenya aims to secure critical points in Group J, where they currently sit in third place. This selection marks Wanjala’s rapid rise through Kenya’s national football ranks, from youth teams to the senior squad, highlighting his potential to make an impact on the international stage. Here’s a breakdown of Wanjala’s journey, Kenya’s lineup, and the importance of these final qualifying matches.
Wanjala’s Journey: From Rising Star to Senior Squad
The selection of Amos Wanjala to the Harambee Stars senior squad is a testament to his dedication and skill. Wanjala, who plays for a club in Spain, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Kenyan football, beginning as the U18 captain and progressing through the U20 and U23 teams. His performances in recent tournaments, particularly the CECAFA tournament held in Kisumu last December, showcased his ability as a strong center-back. This skill set helped him secure a spot as the U20 captain and led Kenya to qualify for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations after a strong second-place finish in the qualifiers in Tanzania.
Fans and analysts alike have advocated for Wanjala’s inclusion in the senior team, noting his leadership qualities and solid defensive skills. His appointment reflects Firat’s trust in young talent and marks a new era for Harambee Stars, as they look to refresh and strengthen the squad for the future.
Key Additions to the Harambee Stars Lineup
Alongside Wanjala, Ulinzi Stars’ attacking midfielder Leshan Mootian has been given his first call-up, bringing a fresh perspective to Kenya’s midfield. Marvin Nabwire of Kenya Police FC also joins the squad after impressive performances in the CHAN qualifiers, where he showcased excellent control and passing precision. Firat’s selection strategy shows a mix of experienced players and newcomers, providing a balance of stability and youthful energy.
Experienced defenders like Charles Momanyi of Tusker FC have retained their spots, providing much-needed depth in the backline. Momanyi’s strong presence in the recent CHAN qualifiers against South Sudan emphasized his ability to handle high-pressure games, which will be critical as Harambee Stars face off against two formidable opponents.
Notable Omissions and Tactical Choices
The omission of veteran goalkeeper Patrick Matasi raised some eyebrows, as Firat chose to retain Ian Otieno and Bryne Omondi, while also bringing in Faruk Shikalo. Otieno’s experience and ability to organize the defense from the back will be vital as Kenya faces teams with fast and skilled forwards.
Here’s your #HarambeeStars squad called up to play against Zimbabwe and Namibia in the upcoming 2025 AFCON Qualifiers on November 15th and 19th respectively. pic.twitter.com/ahCDV3LG6Q
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) November 8, 2024
The squad also sees an experienced defensive core, with notable inclusions like Eric “Marcelo” Ouma and Abud Omar, providing a solid foundation for Kenya’s defense. Daniel Anyembe and Joseph Okumu bring international experience to the defensive line, adding resilience and tactical awareness.
Harambee Stars’ Path to AFCON Qualification
Kenya’s journey to secure an AFCON qualification spot has been a challenging one. Currently, they are in third place in Group J with four points, trailing Cameroon with 10 points and Zimbabwe with eight. Winning their upcoming matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia could propel Kenya into a stronger position and potentially secure a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Both qualifiers are set to be held at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, as Kenya has opted not to use Uganda as their “home” venue for these matches. The decision to play in South Africa aligns with Kenya’s strategy to give players ample time for acclimatization before facing Zimbabwe on November 15 and Namibia on November 19.
Key Players to Watch
Kenya’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers is packed with talent, each player bringing a unique skill set to the team. Here are some key players to watch:
- Michael Olunga: Known for his goal-scoring ability, Olunga will be a vital part of Kenya’s attack. As the team’s top scorer, his experience and composure in front of the goal could be the difference-maker in these high-stakes matches.
- Anthony Akumu: A versatile midfielder, Akumu provides stability in the midfield with his ability to disrupt opposition play and create opportunities for forwards. His presence in the middle will be essential for Kenya to control possession.
- Timothy Ouma and Richard Odada: These midfielders bring technical skill and stamina, which will be crucial in maintaining the intensity of Kenya’s gameplay. Ouma’s creativity paired with Odada’s defensive skills makes them an effective duo in both offensive and defensive transitions.
- Eric Ouma and Abud Omar: Both defenders bring international experience and have demonstrated consistency in the backline, key to thwarting Zimbabwe’s and Namibia’s attacks.
Kenya’s Tactical Approach
Under Coach Engin Firat, Kenya has adopted a structured approach that emphasizes solid defense paired with rapid counter-attacks. Firat’s strategy will likely include a compact defensive setup, allowing players like Olunga to exploit gaps created on the counter. Given Kenya’s position in Group J, securing all available points is critical, and Firat’s tactical planning will be crucial in navigating these do-or-die matches.
With both games expected to be tightly contested, the squad’s blend of experienced players and emerging talent provides Kenya with multiple options for adapting their strategy on the field. Firat’s choices in terms of formations and player positioning will likely be influenced by Kenya’s need for a strong start, which could put pressure on Zimbabwe and Namibia from the outset.
Final Thoughts
The selection of young talent like Amos Wanjala and Leshan Mootian, alongside experienced players, reflects Kenya’s future-focused approach to building a strong national team. As Harambee Stars gear up for the last two matches of their AFCON 2025 qualifier campaign, fans eagerly anticipate how Firat’s tactical strategies and the players’ performances will unfold. A win in each of these games is critical, and the squad appears ready to rise to the occasion.
With players like Olunga, Akumu, and Ouma ready to make an impact, and rising stars like Wanjala adding fresh energy, Kenya’s Harambee Stars have a strong chance of finishing their qualifiers on a high note.
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