Kenyan midfielder Alwyn Tera has earned a late call-up to the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This announcement, made by head coach Engin Firat on Wednesday, brings Tera into the national team just in time for two crucial fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia. With both games scheduled to take place in the coming days, Tera’s inclusion is seen as a positive addition to the squad as Kenya aims to secure an early advantage in Group J of the qualifiers.
Tera, who plies his trade for Armenian club Ararat, has been in fine form recently, and this will be his second chance to represent the senior national team. His first call-up came in November 2021, when he was named in the squad for Kenya’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Uganda. However, despite making the roster, Tera did not play any minutes during those matches, leaving fans and analysts eager to see what he can bring to the national team in competitive action.
A Midfield Star Ready to Shine
At 27, Tera is at a prime stage in his career, with valuable experience accumulated from playing in both Armenia and Georgia. His consistent performances at the club level have made him one of the standout Kenyan players in Europe. Over four seasons with Ararat, Tera has contributed six goals, including a recent strike against Alashkert on August 30. His ability to influence games from the midfield, combined with a solid work ethic and tactical awareness, makes him a key figure in Firat’s plans for the upcoming qualifiers.
What sets Tera apart is his discipline and composure on the field. In over 200 professional appearances, he has only received four red cards—a remarkable achievement that speaks to his ability to maintain focus in high-pressure situations. This calmness under pressure will be invaluable as Kenya faces tough opposition in Group J, starting with Zimbabwe at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, followed by a critical away fixture against Namibia.
Tera’s versatility will also be crucial for Harambee Stars. Capable of playing both as an attacking and defensive midfielder, his adaptability could give Firat additional options when adjusting tactics mid-game. With Kenya likely to focus on solid defensive play in these opening qualifiers, Tera’s experience in breaking up opposition attacks and transitioning the ball forward could make him a vital component of the squad.
An Opportunity for a Long-Awaited Debut
While Tera’s inclusion in the squad is exciting, the fact that he has yet to make his senior debut for the national team adds an extra layer of anticipation. Many fans and football experts believe that his time has finally come, and Firat’s decision to call him up again suggests that the coach sees him as a potential key player for the future.
Firat’s confidence in Tera may stem from the midfielder’s impressive run of form at the club level. His performances for Ararat, especially in recent matches, have caught the attention of the national team coaching staff, and there is hope that Tera will translate that form into success on the international stage.
Additionally, Kenya’s need for midfield reinforcements in the absence of certain injured players means that Tera could be called upon to play a significant role in the team’s AFCON campaign. Firat is known for his tactical flexibility, and Tera’s ability to adapt to different positions in midfield could be exactly what Harambee Stars need as they seek to navigate these challenging fixtures.
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Strengthening the Squad
Tera joins a group of talented players, including his fellow Kenyan and Ararat teammate Amos Nondi, who is returning to the squad after recovering from injury. Nondi, another key player, will likely feature alongside Tera in the midfield, giving Harambee Stars added depth and experience. With the squad’s overall strength boosted by these additions, Kenya will be looking to make a strong start in their bid for AFCON qualification.
The two upcoming qualifiers are critical for Kenya’s hopes of advancing to the 2025 AFCON. Zimbabwe, Kenya’s first opponent, presents a formidable challenge, as they are known for their physical style of play and skilled attacking players. Namibia, the second fixture in this crucial double-header, will also be no easy task, as they have shown consistent improvement in recent international matches.
Tera’s involvement in these games could prove to be the difference for Harambee Stars. His disciplined approach, combined with his vision and work rate, could help the team stay organized in defense while also providing a spark in attack.
Looking Ahead
For Alwyn Tera, this call-up represents a significant moment in his career—a chance to finally make his debut for the senior national team and to contribute to Kenya’s quest for AFCON glory. As Harambee Stars prepare for these vital fixtures, all eyes will be on the midfield maestro, eager to see if he can replicate his club success on the international stage.
As the Kenyan squad gears up for these crucial matches, Firat will be hoping that his decision to bring in Tera pays off, both in the immediate qualifiers and in the long term. Kenya’s journey to the 2025 AFCON begins now, and Alwyn Tera will undoubtedly be looking to seize this opportunity with both hands.
