Austin Odhiambo, one of Gor Mahia’s standout players, has been called up to the Harambee Stars squad for the crucial AFCON 2025 qualifying matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia. Alongside him, three of his Gor Mahia teammates—Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, and Rooney Onyango—have also earned their places in the squad, highlighting the club’s significant contribution to Kenya’s national team.
This selection by coach Engin Firat reflects his confidence in the abilities of these players, who have been instrumental in Gor Mahia’s recent successes. The upcoming qualifiers are a critical step for Harambee Stars as they aim to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the inclusion of these four players is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the squad.
The Impact of Gor Mahia Players on Harambee Stars
Gor Mahia has long been a breeding ground for top Kenyan football talent, and the call-ups of Odhiambo, Owino, Omija, and Onyango are a testament to the club’s ongoing influence on the national team. Each of these players has shown exceptional skill and commitment, both at the club level and in international competitions, making them valuable assets to the Harambee Stars.
Austin Odhiambo has been a standout performer for Gor Mahia, particularly during the Emerging Stars’ COSAFA Cup campaign in South Africa last June. His ability to make critical goal contributions—he was involved in three goals during the tournament—demonstrates his knack for performing under pressure, a quality that will be vital in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Alphonce Omija, another key figure in the squad, made a strong debut against Ivory Coast during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. His solid performance in that match earned him recognition as a dependable defender, and he will be looking to build on this as he joins the Harambee Stars once again. Omija’s versatility and defensive prowess make him a critical addition to the squad, particularly against formidable opponents like Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Rooney Onyango, who has solidified his role as the starting right winger for Gor Mahia, brings both speed and creativity to the national team. His contributions during the COSAFA Cup were instrumental in Gor Mahia’s campaign, and he is expected to bring the same energy and flair to the Harambee Stars. Sylvester Owino, who also had a strong showing at the COSAFA Cup, returns to the national fold after a brief absence since March 2023. His defensive skills and experience will be crucial as the team prepares for these high-stakes matches.
The Inclusion of Benson Omala Amidst Transfer Drama
In addition to the Gor Mahia quartet, Benson Omala, who recently moved to Al Safa FC, has also been called up to the Harambee Stars squad. Omala’s situation has been shrouded in controversy due to an ongoing transfer saga, with reports indicating that he has yet to officially sign with the Lebanese club despite participating in and scoring during a friendly match. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his club situation, Omala’s goal-scoring ability has earned him a place in the national team, where he is expected to add firepower to the Harambee Stars’ attack.
Omala’s inclusion is a testament to his talent and potential, which coach Engin Firat seems keen to harness for the AFCON qualifiers. His ability to find the back of the net, even amidst off-field distractions, will be crucial as Kenya seeks to secure early victories in the qualification campaign.
Notable Exclusions and the Road Ahead
While several Gor Mahia players have been included in the squad, some notable names have been left out. Left-back Geoffrey Ochieng and midfielder Alpha Onyango, both of whom have been part of coach Firat’s previous squads, were not selected this time around. This omission suggests that Four Gor Mahia Stars Called Up to Harambee Stars Squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiersis focusing on current form and recent performances, emphasizing the need for players to consistently prove themselves if they want to remain in the national team setup.
For Ochieng and Alpha Onyango, the next few weeks will be crucial as they aim to regain their places in the squad for future international fixtures. Their exclusion from the upcoming qualifiers serves as a reminder of the intense competition for spots in the Harambee Stars lineup, particularly with younger talents like Odhiambo and Omija stepping up to the plate.
The road ahead for Harambee Stars is challenging, with Zimbabwe and Namibia both posing significant threats in the AFCON qualifiers. However, with the inclusion of experienced players like Odhiambo and the rising stars from Gor Mahia, the team is well-positioned to put up a strong fight. Coach Engin Firat’s squad selection reflects a blend of youth and experience, aimed at securing early momentum in the qualification campaign.
Conclusion: A Strategic Squad for Crucial Qualifiers
The call-up of Austin Odhiambo and his Gor Mahia teammates, alongside other key players like Benson Omala, underscores the strategic approach that coach Engin Firat is taking as Harambee Stars gear up for their AFCON 2025 qualifiers. By selecting players who have proven themselves in both local and international competitions, Firat is assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
As the qualifiers approach, the focus will be on how these players integrate into the team and execute Firat’s game plan. With the backing of a strong squad, Harambee Stars have the potential to make a significant impact in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, setting the stage for a successful campaign and, hopefully, a place in the tournament’s final stages.
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