Avire back for Harambee Stars as Firat gives five maiden call-ups

Head coach Engin Firat also gave first call ups to former Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, Murang’a SEAL’s shot stopper Bonphas Munyasa, Kaycie Odhiambo of AFC Leopards as well as Bandari’s David Sakwa.

Egypt-based John Avire, who was the subject of a twisted transfer battle in 2019 and who made a mark at the 2019 Afcon Finals, has also been called up, for the first time in five years.

Captain Michael Olunga is headlining the 27-man provisional squad that also has France-based defender Joseph Oklumu, who has been included despite sitting out in several matches for his side Reims due to injury.

Others are Gor Mahia’s goal poacher Benson Omalla, shot stopper Patrick Matasi-who will jostle for the goal keeping position with Ian Otieno of Zesco, Bandari’s Byrne Odhiambo, and Munyasa.

The four nation tournament will feature Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

The tournament presents a valuable opportunity for the national side to play more matches within the short international window, in preparation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 AFCON qualifying campaigns.

Harambee Stars provisional squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco-Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Bonphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal)

Collins Sichenje (AIK-Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela-Portugal), Dennis Ng’ang’a (Zanaco Zambia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg-Denmark), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland)

Alphonce Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Aalborg-Denmark), Anthony Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), David Sakwa (Bandari), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sebail-Azeberijan), Eric Johanna  (UTA-Romania), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia)

John Avire (Sekka), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia).