Sakari, Bwire earn late Stars’ call-ups for AFCON qualifiers

Kenya Police right back Daniel Sakari and South Africa-based goalkeeper Brian Bwire have earned late call-ups to the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The two replace on-form Richards Bay custodian Ian Otieno and Wales-based forward Adam Wilson, who have withdrawn from the Stars camp due to personal reasons.

Otieno has not revealed his reasons for withdrawing from the Stars camp, while Wilson has been thrown into mourning following the passing of his grandmother. 

The 31-year-old was pushing for a Harambee Stars starting berth after his recent performances made him a cult hero among the Richards Bay fans, although Firat has lately favored Bandari's Bryne Odhiambo and Kenya Police FC's Patrick Matasi, who was dropped after his howlers cost Kenya a 4-1 defeat in Cameroon's hands.

Sakari has only started three matches for Kenya Police FC in all competitions this season, while Bwire has only made one appearance for Polokwane City FC, which came in a cup competition.

Harambee Stars are set to face Zimbabwe on Friday, November 15, 2024, and Namibia on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.

The Engin-Firat-led side will be hoping to pick maximum points from both matches while hoping for Zimbabwe to lose both matches so they can qualify for the continental showpiece.

Kenya, who have just won one match out of four, currently sit third in Group J on four points, four behind Zimbabwe, who are second, and six behind table toppers Cameroon. Namibia sits at the bottom of the table without a point.