Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat has named 16 foreign based players in his provisional squad for the two upcoming friendly matches against Qatar, the hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in an away match on September 7, 2023, and South Sudan at home on September 12, 2023.
Firat has called to camp, a 24-man squad which comprises a formidable mix of both local and internationally-based players. Notable among the foreign-based talents are captain Michael Olunga, who plies his trade in Qatar, Masud Juma in Saudi Arabia, Ian Otieno in Zambia, Joseph Okumu in France, Brian Mandela in South Africa, Johnstone Omurwa in Portugal, Eric Ouma in Sweden, Amos Nondi in Armenia, Richard Odada in Denmark, and Teddy Akumu in Japan.
Ayub Timbe Masika, now playing in China, and Timothy Omondi, currently in Sweden, are making their return to the squad.
The Harambee Stars coach has also included in the squad, international players with Kenyan roots plying their trade in Europe. Danish-born defender Daniel Anyembe, who has previously captained Denmark’s U-23 national team, and Alfred Scriven, who plays for IL Hodd in Norway, have received call-ups once more.
Kenya Police forward Elvis Rupia, and his counterpart David Ochieng also make the list, while Abud Omar of Kenya Police and Moses Shummah from Kakamega Homeboyz have retained their spots in the provisional squad. The team reports to camp on Sunday, September 3, 2023.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC)
Defenders
Collins Shichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police)
Midfielders
Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Abdallah Hasan (Bandari), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway)
Forwards
Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia)