Engin Firat’s Tough Selection for AFCON Opener
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is under immense pressure as he prepares for Kenya’s opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Zimbabwe. Set to take place at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, this match will kick off Kenya’s AFCON qualification campaign in Group J. However, a string of unexpected player absences has left Firat with tough decisions to make for his starting XI, especially in defense.
Firat is scrambling to piece together a solid defensive strategy after the sudden departure of key defender Johnstone Omurwa, who left the camp to finalize a club transfer. Omurwa’s absence creates a significant void in Kenya’s backline, leaving Firat with limited options ahead of the pivotal match.
Defensive Woes: Omurwa’s Departure and Other Absences
The loss of Omurwa, who was a mainstay in the Harambee Stars’ defense while playing for Portuguese club CF Estrela Amadora until June 2024, is a major blow to Firat’s defensive plans. Omurwa was instrumental in organizing the defense, and his sudden exit leaves a gap that Zimbabwe’s attackers will likely aim to exploit.
To make matters worse, Daniel Anyembe, another key defensive option who has stepped in during World Cup qualifiers, is unavailable due to personal commitments in Denmark. Meanwhile, Collins Shichenje is sidelined with an injury in Serbia, further depleting Firat’s defensive resources.
The coach now faces the difficult task of selecting replacements from a pool of less experienced players. Likely candidates include Alphonce Omija and Sylvester Owino, both of whom have shown promise but lack significant international experience.
Firat’s Defensive Options: Omija and Owino
Alphonce Omija, who has earned recognition for his strong performances at Gor Mahia and his ability to shut down top attackers, will likely be asked to step up. However, Omija usually plays as a right-back, and shifting him to a central defensive role may expose Kenya to potential vulnerabilities. Omija’s recent man-of-the-match display against Ivory Coast showed his defensive prowess, but playing at the center of defense in a high-stakes AFCON qualifier is a much bigger challenge.
Sylvester Owino, another potential replacement, has made a name for himself in the COSAFA Cup with Kenya’s U-23 team. Although Owino’s height and presence add strength to the backline, his lack of senior team experience means he will have to adapt quickly to the pressure of an AFCON qualifier.
Despite these concerns, Firat remains hopeful that these young defenders can rise to the occasion, but the pressure to perform is mounting.
Midfield and Attack: Stars’ Strength Amid Defensive Uncertainty
While the defense may be a concern, Kenya’s midfield and attacking options offer some reassurance. Veteran midfielders like Teddy Akumu and Richard Odada are expected to anchor the midfield, providing stability and control. Akumu, who now plays for Iranian side Khorramabad, has been a consistent presence in the national team, while Odada, a Dundee United player, will complement Akumu in a double-pivot midfield setup.
In the attacking third, Firat will likely turn to the creative skills of Kenneth Muguna and the pace of Rooney Onyango. Muguna, known for his ability to unlock defenses with precise passes, will play a key role in creating scoring opportunities. Onyango’s speed on the right wing will stretch Zimbabwe’s defense, offering Firat the chance to capitalize on counter-attacks.
Although there are concerns about the defense, Firat could adopt an attacking approach, hoping to outscore Zimbabwe in a high-energy game.
Missing Stars: Olunga and Ouma’s Absence
Kenya’s preparations have been further disrupted by the absence of captain and star striker Michael Olunga. The Al Duhail forward is nursing an injury sustained during club duty in Qatar, leaving Kenya without their talismanic goal scorer. Olunga’s leadership and goal-scoring ability have been key to the Harambee Stars’ success, and his absence will be felt deeply.
In addition to Olunga, midfielder Timothy Ouma will also miss the Zimbabwe clash due to injury. These absences leave Firat without two of his most influential players, forcing the coach to rely on emerging talents like Benson Omala and Jonah Ayunga to lead the attack.
Benson Omala, who impressed during the COSAFA Cup in South Africa, could be Firat’s first-choice striker. Omala’s hold-up play and ability to retain possession will be crucial as Kenya aims to break down Zimbabwe’s defense. Jonah Ayunga, another promising forward, is also likely to play a pivotal role in Firat’s game plan.
Zimbabwe’s Threat: What Firat Must Prepare For
Zimbabwe’s attacking lineup is likely to cause further headaches for Firat. The Warriors boast a talented forward line, including FC Nantes’ Tinotenda Kadewere and Douglas Mapfumo of Polokwane City. Prince Dube, known for his ability to weave through defenses, is another dangerous player Kenya’s defenders will have to keep a close eye on.
Zimbabwe’s confidence is high, having set their sights on securing a win against Kenya. With their squad at full strength, Firat will need to come up with a solid game plan to neutralize their attacking threats.
Conclusion: Firat’s AFCON Qualifier Gamble
Engin Firat finds himself in a precarious position ahead of Kenya’s opening AFCON 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe. With key defensive players missing and question marks hanging over his starting XI, Firat will have to rely on a combination of youth and experience to secure a positive result.
The coach’s decision-making will be crucial, and his ability to manage the team under these difficult circumstances could define Kenya’s AFCON qualification campaign. As the Harambee Stars take the field in Kampala, Firat will be hoping that his defensive gamble pays off, and that Kenya can start their AFCON journey with a victory.
The match kicks off at 4 PM local time, and all eyes will be on Firat’s chosen XI as Kenya battles Zimbabwe for a crucial three points
