Both players missed the side’s last two fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia, but are back in the squad ahead of their crunch double encounter against Cameroon.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is thrilled to welcome back two key players, Denmark-baseddefender Daniel Anyembe and team captain Michael Olunga, as Kenya prepares for crucial back-to-back ties against Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The matches will take place this month, with Kenya facing the Indomitable Lions away on Friday, 11 October, followed by a return leg in Uganda just four days later.
Firat, who has been dealing with injury setbacks in recent matches, is optimistic that the return of Anyembe and Olunga will bolster the team as they aim to strengthen their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025, which will be held in Morocco.
The coach highlighted the significance of their return, given their absence in last month’s matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“We will have a much stronger squad going into the two matches against Cameroon because our key players Anyembe and Olunga are coming back to the squad after recovering from injuries,” Firat told Mozzart Sport.
The absence of Michael Olunga, Kenya’s top scorer and captain, was particularly felt during the Zimbabwe fixture, where the Stars struggled to find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw. Firat’s tactical decision not to start with a striker in that match also drew attention, with many pointing to the lack of Olunga as a crucial factor in their inability to convert chances.
Olunga’s return now promises a more dynamic attack, and Firat will be looking to the captain to lead the charge in front of goal. Daniel Anyembe’s availability will also fortify the defense, adding depth and experience to a squad aiming to build on their previous performances.
Kenya managed to secure a 2-1 win over Namibia in their second qualifier, a result that currently sees them sitting at the top of their group with four points.
However, the upcoming fixtures against Cameroon will be pivotal in determining Kenya’s path to Morocco 2025, and Firat knows that having a nearly full-strength squad will improve their chances.
In addition to Olunga and Anyembe, Firat addressed concerns about the fitness of other key players, including Masoud Juma and Ayub Timbe, who may still miss out due to a lack of match fitness.
“They have just resumed training and may be available for our last leg of the qualifiers,” Firat revealed.
One logistical concern for the Harambee Stars is the short turnaround between the two matches.
With only four days separating the away match against Cameroon and the return fixture in Uganda, there are discussions about the possibility of chartering a plane to ensure the team arrives in Uganda refreshed and ready for the crucial game.
In the past, the Kenyan government has stepped in to charter flights for the national team, especially for matches in West Africa where regular scheduled flights can be challenging. Firat is hopeful that similar arrangements can be made this time to ensure the players are in optimal condition for both games.
