Emerging Stars squad to 2024 COSAFA Cup named

FKF Premier League 2023/24 top-scorer Benson Omalla is among players who have made the cut in the final Kenya U23 team traveling for the COSAFA Cup set to be held from June 26 to July 7, 2024, in South Africa.

The 22-year-old Gor Mahia striker scored 19 goals to win the Golden Boot in the just-concluded season.

U18 prodigies Aldrine Kibet, Elly Owande, Ibrahim Wanzala and Amos Wanjala have also been drafted into the final Emerging Stars squad.

Players who have been left out of the team include Sofapaka right-back Baron Ochieng, strikers Moses Shummah of Kakamega Homeboyz, City Stars’ Samuel Kapen and George Gitau who plays for Middlesborough in England.

Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony ‘Teddy’ Akumu, who has been unattached for months, and Gor Mahia midfielders Alfa Onyango and Shariff Musa also failed to make the cut.

The Emerging Stars head coach Ken Odhiambo says the team comprises of mainly players under the age of 23, to help them gain international exposure and experience on the international stage.

Odhiambo termed the move to feature predominantly young local-based players as a risk worth taking against teams with more experienced players.

“Let me say it is a risk, because other teams like Comoros are bringing 95 per cent from the French league, but I think it is worth it. This is what the young players have been waiting for, they want to go and show us what they are made of, and I believe with God and the planning in the short time that we had, we’ll show what we are made of. I know come the 7th (July 7) we’ll be smiling,” said Odhiambo.

Kenya has been drawn in group B with Zambia, Comoros, and Zimbabwe.

The team held its final training session at the Nyayo National Stadium on Monday before traveling to South Africa on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, ahead of the tournament which they were invited to as a guest participant.

Coach Odhiambo says all his players are fit and hungry to prove their metal in the southern Africa nation.

“Most of the players have been playing at local clubs, and I thank God there are no injuries. We have prepared adequately, and I’m glad all the players have arrived in camp,” said the Harambee Stars assistant coach.

Kenya will launch its campaign against seven-time COSAFA Cup champions Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 7pm EAT.

The team will then travel to Wolfson Stadium on Sunday, June 30, to face Comoros at 1pm EAT, before playing their last group match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 1pm EAT.