Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, is gearing up for two crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Cameroon, but their preparations have been dealt a significant blow. Star midfielder Austin Odhiambo, the 2023/24 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League MVP, has suffered a knee injury, leaving head coach Engin Firat scrambling to adjust his plans.
The first leg of the double-header is scheduled for this Friday at the Stade Omnisport de Douala in Cameroon, with the second match set to take place the following Monday in Uganda. With so much on the line, losing one of their most influential players at such a critical moment is a major setback for the Kenyan side.
Odhiambo’s Injury: A Big Blow for Kenya
Austin Odhiambo, who has been in fine form for his club Gor Mahia this season, was expected to play a crucial role in Harambee Stars’ midfield during these qualifiers. However, his knee injury occurred on the very first day of training last Friday as the team settled into camp. It was a tough moment, especially given that Odhiambo was integrating with his local-based teammates, all of whom had high hopes for his impact on the pitch.
A source from within the camp confirmed the seriousness of the situation: “Austin injured his knee during training, and it’s a tough setback for the team, but the medical team is working hard to see if he can recover in time for the Cameroon game.” Unfortunately, early signs suggest that his participation in both matches is highly unlikely, as he has been unable to take part in training since the injury.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Harambee Stars. Odhiambo’s creativity and vision in the midfield were seen as key components of Kenya’s game plan. He had recently delivered a man-of-the-match performance during Gor Mahia’s 4-0 victory over Mathare United, and expectations were high for him to carry that form into the national team. His absence now creates a massive void in the squad.
Firat’s Tactical Dilemma
Coach Engin Firat faces a difficult challenge as he looks to find a replacement for Odhiambo in such a short time. The situation is further complicated by the absence of another important playmaker, Kenneth Muguna. Muguna, who plays for Kenya Police FC, picked up an injury in his club’s league opener against Tusker FC and has been ruled out of the AFCON qualifiers.
This leaves Harambee Stars with only one creative midfielder, Duke Abuya, who is expected to step up. Abuya has the experience, but the burden of carrying Kenya’s creative duties on his shoulders may be overwhelming, especially against a tough opponent like Cameroon. Firat may have to turn to alternative options, such as Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri.
Muchiri, primarily a winger, has shown versatility in the past and could fill a central role. After a three-year absence from the national team, he’s eager to make an impact, and his ability to operate behind striker Michael Olunga could offer Firat an alternative attacking approach. But shifting Muchiri into an unfamiliar position may not be the ideal solution, and Firat must carefully weigh his options.
Odhiambo’s Impact on the National Team
Before this unfortunate setback, Odhiambo’s rise in the national team had been promising. He stood out during last June’s COSAFA Cup, playing for the Rising Stars, where he scored two goals and provided an assist. His performances earned him a spot in the senior team, and he made an immediate impact by assisting in Kenya’s 1-1 draw against Burundi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
With his skill set, Odhiambo was expected to bring that same spark to the AFCON qualifiers. His ability to create opportunities and control the tempo of the game made him an essential part of Firat’s strategy. His injury, therefore, is not just a blow to the squad’s immediate preparations but also a setback to Kenya’s long-term plans for developing young talent and building a competitive team.
Pressure on the Squad to Step Up
With Kenya’s AFCON qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the absence of both Odhiambo and Muguna puts significant pressure on the remaining squad members. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are no easy opponents, and Kenya will need to be at their best if they are to secure the crucial points needed to stay in the race for qualification. The team must now rely on its depth and adaptability to fill the gap left by these key injuries.
Coach Firat’s task is to find a formation and approach that maximizes the strengths of the players still available. The likes of Duke Abuya and Boniface Muchiri will be under the spotlight, and much will depend on how well they can step into the creative roles vacated by Odhiambo and Muguna. The midfield will need to work closely with star striker Michael Olunga, who remains Kenya’s biggest threat in attack.
The squad’s resilience will be put to the test as they face the pressure of performing in these crucial matches without their key playmakers. Firat’s leadership and tactical decisions will be crucial in determining how the team responds to this setback.
Kenya’s AFCON Dream Still Alive
Despite the challenges, all is not lost for Harambee Stars. The team still has the talent and capability to compete against Cameroon, and the opportunity for players like Muchiri to prove themselves could be a turning point for Kenya’s qualification campaign. The squad must come together, showing the kind of determination and unity that has characterized Kenyan football in the past.
Firat’s approach will need to be adaptive, and the team’s ability to show flexibility and grit could make all the difference. As the first leg approaches, the Harambee Stars know they must rise to the occasion and fight for the points needed to keep their AFCON 2025 dreams alive. The entire nation will be behind them, hoping for a performance that overcomes adversity and brings pride to Kenyan football.
