Amos Wanjala in as Firat names Harambee Stars squad for final 2025 AFCON qualifiers
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 08.11.24. | 16:55
The Spanish-based defender will face stiff competition in his bid for playing time in the senior team from experinced centre backs
Rising Stars captain Amos Wanjala has been elevated to the senior national football team, Harambee Stars, after coach Engin Firat included him in the 23-man squad for the final two AFCON 2025 qualifier matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Wanjala has experienced a meteoric rise over the past year, progressing from the U18 team to the U20, and U23 teams and now earning a spot in the senior team.
His path to the Stars began to clear up after putting in a decent performance as the U18 skipper in a CECAFA tournament held in Kisumu in December last year.
The impressive show in the tournament saw him soar to a new high in July as he played in all three matches of the U23 team in the COSAFA Cup held in South Africa.
He would captain the U20 team to book a place in the 2025 Africa U20 cup of Nations finals following the second-place finish in the qualifiers held last month in Tanzania.
The leadership skills and football talent he demonstrated in the three tournaments saw fans petition for his inclusion in the senior team.
He joins the team for the first time alongside Ulinzi Stars attacking midfielder Leshan Mootian.
Firat, reserved a place for Kenya Police midfielder Marvin Nabwire, who had a flying start in the season and his eye-catching performances in the CHAN qualifiers.
Experienced Tusker defender Charles Momanyi also made the cut having anchored the Kenyan defence in the return leg of the CHAN qualifier against South Sudan.
Experienced goalkeeper Patrick Matasi did not make it to the team as Firat opted to retain Ian Otieno and Bryne Omondi, with Faruk Shikalo getting favour from the Turkish gaffer.
Both matches are set to take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
The team will depart Nairobi on November 11, 2024, headed for Johannesburg, as they prepare to face Zimbabwe on Tuesday, 15 November, and Namibia four days later.
Kenya currently sits third in Group J with 4 points, with Cameroon leading the group with 10 points and Zimbabwe following with 8 points.
Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Byrne Odhiambo, Faruk Shikhalo, Ian Otieno
Defenders
Daniel Anyembe, Amos Wanjala, Amos Nondi, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Charles Momanyi, Eric Ouma, Abud Omar
Midfielders
Anthony Akumu, Marvin Nabwire, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma, Richard Odada, Austine Odhiambo, Ronney Onyango, Alfred Scriven, Leshan Mootian, Adam Wilson
Forwards
Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, John Avire
