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Kenyan Coach Engin Firat Unveils Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Against Cameroon
Nairobi, Kenya | THE INDEPENDENT | There will be no Ugandans cheering Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana when Cameroon take on Kenya at Mandela Stadium in Kampala on October 14. The Kenya Football Federation has today announced that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon will be played behind closed doors.
Last month, thousands of Ugandan Manchester United fans supported Cameroon as they were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe at Namboole. Even more are expected for the next match, but all indications are that they will only be able to see him from outside the stadium
Even the Daily Mail on London reported about the chaos as Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana attempted to make his way out of the stadium following Cameroon’s 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe.
Uganda has a huge number of United supporters – a Facebook group for fans from the nation has almost 600,000 followers – and there has been much excitement about the presence of Onana in the country over the past couple of days, Daily Mail reported.
He caused a scene as the Cameroon team arrived at Entebbe International Airport with even airport staff and security wanting photographs.
Thank you for the warm welcome.
I would have liked to spend more time with all of you.
See you next month in #Uganda. 👋🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/fqDxtiQ4h3— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) September 11, 2024
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his provisional squad for the crucial upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon, scheduled between October 7-15, 2024.
Coach Firat has assembled a 28-man squad, combining local-based talents and foreign professionals, in preparation for the double-header against Cameroon.
Among the domestic players included are Gor Mahia’s quintet of Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Geoffrey Ochieng, Ronney Onyango, and Austine Odhiambo. Bandari’s Byrne Omondi and Ulinzi’s Boniface Muchiri also made the cut. Notably, Tusker FC midfielder David Odoyo receives his first senior national team call-up, while AFC Leopards’ Sydney Lokale returns to the fold after a prolonged absence.
Captain Michael Olunga, who continues his prolific form with Al-Duhail in Qatar, headlines the foreign-based players. Other names include defender Daniel Anyembe, Johnstone Omurwa, Alfred Scriven, Eric Ouma of Rakow, and Richard Odada, who plies his trade with Dundee United.
The team is set to begin their residential camp on Friday, October 4, 2024.
The first leg of the double-header is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, followed by the return leg on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Mandela National Stadium in Uganda. The second match in Kampala will be played behind closed doors.
These fixtures will be pivotal for Kenya’s campaign to qualify for the prestigious continental tournament in Morocco.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)
Defenders
Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa (Abha), Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow)
Midfielders
David Odoyo (Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), John Ochieng (Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars)
Forwards
John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), , Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK)
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RELATED STORIES
The story of Onana, a Premio and 35 minutes to Entebbe Airport
CLICK HERE TO READ STORY AND WATCH VIDEOS
Andre Onana was whisked away from Namboole he didn’t travel with the team bus.
Security had to disperse the excited crowd to allow his premio to leave Namboole straight to the airport
Cameroon and Zimbabwe played to a barren draw in their #AFCON2025Q on Tuesday pic.twitter.com/RMdhKDeCOA
— Omutegeke | 🇺🇬🎙 (@CliveKyazze) September 10, 2024
