Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat faces a daunting task as he navigates the uncertainty surrounding his key striker, Michael Olunga, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The injury to Olunga, a player instrumental in Kenya’s recent successes, has left a void in the team’s attacking lineup, forcing Firat to consider alternative options as they prepare for their crucial encounter against Zimbabwe.
Olunga, who plies his trade with Al Duhail in Qatar, sustained an injury during the initial stages of the Qatar Stars League, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming matches. Despite this setback, Olunga was expected to join the rest of the team in Uganda, where they are holding a pre-match camp. However, the Turkish coach remains cautious, as Olunga’s participation hinges on the results of an MRI scan that will determine the severity of his injury.
“Michael Olunga’s involvement in the first match is highly uncertain. He’s set to undergo an MRI, but the chances of him playing are slim at this point. We’ve already seen several players withdraw due to injuries, so we need to adapt quickly and find suitable replacements,” Firat acknowledged during a press briefing before the team’s departure.
The focus has now shifted to Benson Omalla, a rising star in Kenyan football who topped the scoring charts in the Kenyan Premier League last season. Omalla’s impressive performances have earned him a spot in the national team, and with Olunga’s potential absence, the young striker may find himself thrust into the spotlight sooner than expected.
Omalla, who recently made a move from Kenyan champions Gor Mahia to a club in Lebanon, has been included in the final squad for the two upcoming qualifiers against Namibia and Zimbabwe. The 21-year-old has expressed his readiness to step up and fill the void left by Olunga, should the need arise.
“As a player, you always have to be prepared for anything. Being part of the national team means that you can be called upon at any moment, and you have to be ready to deliver,” Omalla said with quiet confidence. “I’ve had the privilege of learning from our captain, Michael Olunga, as well as the coaching staff. I believe in my abilities and am ready to take on the challenge if given the opportunity.”
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Omalla’s confidence is not misplaced. His goal-scoring prowess was on full display during the last season, where he emerged as the top scorer in the Kenyan Premier League, helping Gor Mahia clinch the title. His ability to find the back of the net with regularity has made him one of the most exciting prospects in Kenyan football, and his inclusion in the national team signals a potential changing of the guard in the Harambee Stars’ attacking ranks.
The young forward is also eyeing the chance to make his mark on the international stage, particularly at the Africa Cup of Nations. “These qualifiers are extremely important, not just for me, but for the entire team. We all want to represent Kenya at the highest level, and for me, this is a dream I’ve had for a long time. I’m optimistic about our chances, and I’m determined to contribute to our success in any way I can,” Omalla added.
The Harambee Stars have been hard at work in their preparations, with the team keen to make a strong start in their qualifying campaign. Omalla’s determination is echoed by his teammates, who are equally committed to securing a victory in their first match against Zimbabwe.
“Our training sessions have been intense, and the team is in good spirits. We know what’s at stake, and we’re all focused on winning the first game to build momentum for the rest of the qualifiers,” Omalla concluded.
As Kenya braces for the possibility of facing Zimbabwe without their star striker, the spotlight is firmly on Benson Omalla. The young forward’s potential to step up in Olunga’s absence could be the key to Harambee Stars’ success as they navigate the challenges ahead in their quest for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations.
