Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has received a significant blow ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. Midfielder Kenneth Muguna, a key player for Kenya Police, has been ruled out of the crucial matches against South Sudan due to a late fitness test failure.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed the unfortunate news in an official statement. Muguna’s absence is a major setback for the team, as he was expected to play a crucial role in their midfield.
To fill the void left by Muguna, Clifford Otieno from Nairobi City Stars has been called up to the squad. Otieno is a talented midfielder who has been impressive for his club and is expected to contribute positively to the team.
The first leg of the CHAN CECAFA qualifier against South Sudan is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, at Juba International Stadium. The return leg will take place on Sunday, November 3, at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
A victory over South Sudan will secure Harambee Stars a place in the final phase of the qualifiers, where they will face either Djibouti or Rwanda. The final phase of the qualifiers will be held from December 20-27, with the winners joining Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as hosts of the 2024 CHAN tournament.
Harambee Stars Squad for CHAN Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
- Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari)
- Farouk Shikalo (KCB)
- Ibrahim Wanzala (Kakamega Homeboyz)
Defenders:
- Musa Mohammed (Kenya Police FC)
- Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia)
- Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia)
- Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia)
- Bernard Ondiek (Posta Rangers)
- Brian Eshihanda (Kakamega Homeboyz)
- Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC)
Midfielders:
- Vincent Owino (Nairobi City Stars)
- Marvin Nabwire (Kenya Police FC)
- Clifford Otieno (Nairobi City Stars)
- Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia)
- Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)
- Issa Lumumba (Ulinzi Stars)
- Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
- Chrispine Erambo (Tusker FC)
- Matthias Isogol (Mara Sugar)
- Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks)
Forwards:
- Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
- Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)
- Mathew Tegisi (Shabana)
- Patrick Otieno (KCB)
