In a devastating turn of events for Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, star midfielder Austin Odhiambo has picked up a knee injury just days before the crucial AFCON 2025 qualification match against Cameroon.
This setback comes at the worst possible time, threatening Kenya’s chances of securing a win in Douala and putting their AFCON dreams at risk.
What Happened to Austin Odhiambo?
Austin Odhiambo, who was the 2023-24 FKF Premier League MVP, had been in tremendous form leading up to this international break.
He played a pivotal role in Gor Mahia’s 4-0 triumph over Mathare United, delivering a man-of-the-match performance that raised expectations for his impact on the national team.
However, during the first training session after joining the national camp on Friday, disaster struck. Austin Odhiambo sustained a knee injury that forced him out of training, leaving his availability for the upcoming matches in serious doubt.
The Severity of the Injury
While the full extent of the injury is yet to be determined, early signs suggest that it could be severe enough to sideline Odhiambo for both upcoming matches.
A source close to the team revealed, “Austin picked up an injury on the first day and hasn’t trained with the team since. It was a knee injury, and barring any miraculous recovery, he won’t be part of the squad traveling to Cameroon and Uganda for the two games.”
This means that Austin Odhiambo is likely to miss not just the vital match against Cameroon this Friday but also the return leg scheduled for next Monday in Uganda.
The absence of such a creative force in midfield is undoubtedly a massive blow for Harambee Stars as they look to secure crucial points in their AFCON 2025 qualification journey.
Odhiambo’s injury leaves a gaping hole in Kenya’s midfield. Known for his ability to unlock defenses and create opportunities, his absence significantly reduces the attacking options available to head coach Engin Firat.
With Austin Odhiambo out, the creative burden now falls squarely on Duke Abuya, who remains the only attacking midfielder left in the squad.
However, Abuya will not be alone in carrying this heavy load. Coach Firat is considering reshuffling his squad, bringing in Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri as a potential replacement.
Although Muchiri primarily plays as a winger, he has the versatility to fill in as an attacking midfielder, providing support for Kenya’s star forward, Michael Olunga.
Injuries Piling Up: Kenneth Muguna Also Sidelined
Odhiambo is not the only casualty ahead of the AFCON qualifiers. Kenneth Muguna, another key midfielder from Kenya Police FC, was ruled out earlier after picking up an injury during his team’s first league game against Tusker FC.
With both Austin Odhiambo and Muguna sidelined, Harambee Stars’ midfield options are increasingly limited, making it even more challenging to field a competitive lineup against the Indomitable Lions.
Coach Engin Firat faces a tough decision. With two of his key midfielders out, he must rethink his strategy if Harambee Stars are to stand a chance against a strong Cameroonian side.
Firat’s most likely option is to deploy Boniface Muchiri centrally, despite his natural preference as a winger. Muchiri’s ability to operate in multiple positions could be the key to maintaining a semblance of creativity in Kenya’s midfield.
Alternatively, the coach might opt for a more defensive setup, relying heavily on star striker Michael Olunga to deliver the goals Kenya desperately needs.
Firat’s choices will be crucial, not just for the game in Cameroon but also for the return leg in Uganda. A positive result in these matches is essential for Kenya’s AFCON qualification campaign, and the tactical adjustments made in the absence of key players like Austin Odhiambo could be decisive.
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Despite the injuries, Harambee Stars still boast a talented squad capable of putting up a fight against Cameroon.
The team’s provisional squad features dependable goalkeepers like Ian Otieno of Richards Bay FC, Patrick Matasi of Kenya Police, and Byrne Omondi from Bandari.
The defense includes solid players like Joseph Okumu of Reims, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Johnstone Omurwa, who plays for Abha in Saudi Arabia.
The midfield, although weakened by the injuries to Odhiambo and Muguna, still has talents like Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg) and Duke Abuya (Yanga).
The striking force remains strong with Michael Olunga, one of Africa’s most lethal forwards, leading the line alongside Jonah Ayunga of St. Mirren and other capable forwards like John Avire and Alfred Scriven.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
The AFCON qualifiers are crucial for Kenya as they look to make a strong statement in African football. With Cameroon’s formidable reputation and home advantage, the task ahead is monumental.
Kenya must secure a positive result on Friday at the Stade Omnisport de Douala to keep their hopes alive before heading to Uganda for the return leg.
Austin Odhiambo’s absence makes this challenge even tougher, but the Harambee Stars must rally and show resilience. The pressure is now on the remaining squad members to step up and fill the void left by their injured teammate. With their AFCON 2025 ambitions on the line, every player will need to give their best performance.
