Star striker Masud Juma has rejoined the team for training after recovering from an injury that saw him miss the last two international breaks.
With the doubleheader against Cameroon fast approaching, coach Engin Firat will be eager to assess Juma’s fitness and determine whether he can play a role in these important matches.
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, received a significant boost ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cameroon.
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Masud Juma, who plays as a forward for Al Jabalain, last featured for Harambee Stars in their 2-1 defeat to Qatar a year ago.
Unfortunately, injuries have plagued the talented striker, forcing him to miss several international breaks, including the recent AFCON qualifiers against Namibia and Zimbabwe.
However, Juma has been working hard to regain his fitness, undergoing separate training sessions to get back into peak condition.
Juma’s last club appearance was in April, where he scored in Al Jabalain’s 2-0 victory over Al Jandal. His goal-scoring ability will be critical for Harambee Stars as they prepare to take on the formidable Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
Harambee Stars Begin Preparations for Cameroon Clash
The Harambee Stars kicked off their training sessions on Friday, with Masud Juma participating in full-team practice for the first time in months.
The squad currently consists of mainly local-based players, as the foreign-based players are expected to join next week once they complete their club commitments.
Among those expected to join the camp is team captain Michael Olunga, who has just returned to action with his Qatari club Al Duhail after missing Kenya’s last two qualifiers due to injury.
Olunga’s return, alongside Juma’s recovery, provides coach Engin Firat with a range of attacking options. Both players bring valuable experience and goal-scoring prowess, making them crucial to Harambee Stars’ chances of success.
Key Players and Fitness Concerns
While Juma’s return is a positive sign, coach Engin Firat still has some concerns over the fitness of other key players.
Ayub Timbe remains unavailable as he is still recovering from an injury, leaving a gap in Harambee Stars’ attacking options.
Timbe has been an important player for the team, and his absence could affect the team’s overall performance in the upcoming qualifiers.
Additionally, there are doubts surrounding defender Joseph Okumu, who has not played since suffering an abductor injury during last month’s match against Namibia.
Okumu, who plays for Reims in France, has been called up to the squad, but his involvement will depend on a late fitness assessment by the team’s medical staff.
Masud Juma: A Key Player for Harambee Stars
Masud Juma’s return to training is a significant development for Harambee Stars. The former Kariobangi Sharks forward has been a crucial part of Kenya’s national team for several years, thanks to his goal-scoring abilities and versatility in attack.
With Juma in the squad, Harambee Stars have a proven striker capable of creating chances and converting them into goals.
Coach Engin Firat is likely to assess Juma’s fitness carefully in the coming days to determine whether he will feature in the upcoming matches.
The Importance of the Cameroon Doubleheader
Harambee Stars’ upcoming matches against Cameroon are vital for their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The first leg will take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Friday, followed by the return leg in Kampala four days later. Cameroon, known as the Indomitable Lions, is one of Africa’s strongest football teams, and Kenya will need to be at their best to secure positive results in these matches.
For Harambee Stars, getting a good result in Yaoundé could provide the momentum needed for the return leg in Kampala.
Expectations from Coach Engin Firat
Coach Engin Firat has been working hard to prepare his team for the challenge ahead. With key players like Masud Juma and Michael Olunga returning to the fold, Firat will be hoping to field a strong squad capable of taking on the Indomitable Lions.
However, Firat is likely to approach the first leg cautiously, knowing that Cameroon poses a significant threat both in attack and defense.
Will Firat opt for a more defensive strategy to contain Cameroon, or will he rely on Juma and Olunga’s attacking talents to go for the win?
