Sofapaka defender receives late Harambee Stars call-up

Sofapaka FC have announced the inclusion of their right-back, Baron Ochieng, in the Harambee Stars squad set to compete in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier matches.

The Stars will continue their pursuit of a ticket to the global showpiece with a match against Burundi on June 7th, followed by a game against African champions Ivory Coast in their fourth qualifier match at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.

Ochieng is scheduled to join the Stars in Lilongwe after the team's departure on Saturday, just in time for their opening match against Burundi on Friday.

His selection comes amid last-minute adjustments by national team head coach Engin Firat, necessitated by injuries within the squad.

Ochieng has been on a steady rise over the last six months, a period during which he represented Kenya at the CECAFA Under-18 tournament, where he bagged silver with the Junior Stars.

In March, he was part of the Kenya U20 team that participated in the Four Nations Invitational Tournament in Malawi.

This marked Ochieng's third time representing Kenya on the international stage, a testament to his growing stature within the football community.

Despite his youth, Ochieng has already made a name for himself in Kenyan football, emerging as a standout performer at the 2023 CECAFA Under-18 tournament.

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His stellar displays at right-back caught the attention of scouts from Spain's prestigious Nastic Soccer Academy.

Ochieng's international debut came earlier than many expected, as he earned caps for the Kenya U17 side back in 2020 while still a student at Dagoretti High School.

Facing formidable opponents such as Ethiopia and Uganda, Ochieng's experience at the CECAFA Under-18 tournament proved invaluable, laying the foundation for his future exploits.

He came through the youth ranks at Kesa Soka Academy in Nairobi before starting competitive football at National Super League side Kibera Black Stars.

His impressive performances there earned him a chance at Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) side Sofapaka.

On the national team, Ochieng will compete for the right-back position with Daniel Anyembe and Tobias Knorst.

Anyembe, along with Collins Sichenje, are expected to join the rest of the players today.

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Elsewhere, winger Ayub Timbe has confirmed that he won’t be part of the Stars squad for the qualifiers after picking up an injury.

Timbe has been a key part of Firat’s squad alongside Michael Olunga since the coach's appointment.

Firat now faces further challenges, with defender Joseph Okumu and Erick Ouma doubtful for the upcoming games due to injuries.