Cheche, Austin, Abdallah Hassan dropped as final Harambee Stars squad for Qatar, South Sudan tests is named

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has named his final traveling squad for their international friendly against Qatar scheduled for Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Doha.

Firat has dropped four players from the 28-man squad that he had named. The four include late inclusions Austin Odhiambo of Gor Mahia and Kariobangi Sharks wonderkid Stanley Wilson. Also released are Bandari winger Abdallah Hassan, who has been key for the Stars in recent years, and seasoned defender David "Cheche" Ochieng of Kenya Police FC.

Stars players reported to camp on Sunday afternoon and have been preparing for the match under the watchful eye of the Turkish tactician. The match, along with the one against South Sudan to follow five days later, are part of the Stars’ preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to kick off in November. Kenya is in Group F alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia, Gabon, Seychelles, and Burundi. The winner of the group will grace the World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The Stars leave the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for Doha on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 1:25 AM EAT and will have a feel of the field of play later in the afternoon in readiness for the match against the 2022 World Cup hosts on Thursday evening.

After playing on Thursday, the team will head back to Kenya on Friday, September 8, 2023, to continue preparations for their match against South Sudan on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Byrne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC)

Defenders

Collins Sichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela da Amadora, Portugal), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), and 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), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway), Clarke Oduor (Bradford City AFC, England).

Forwards

Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Singida Fountain Gate FC, Tanzania), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia)

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