Harambee Stars enter Friday afternoon’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers opener against Zimbabwe with a history of dominance. However, they face an unfavorable situation due to injuries and the unavailability of key players.Players confirmed to miss the Zimbabwe clash include Michael Olunga, Collins Sichenje, Timothy Ouma, Masoud Juma, Ayub Timbe, Johnstone Omurwa, Daniel Anyembe, Tobias Knost, and Ian Otieno.While this poses significant challenges, as noted by head coach Engin Firat, the return of key players who were missing during the June World Cup qualifiers could prove crucial.Firat laments Olunga’s unavailability, hints at surprises for Friday’s clash against ZimbabweWe take a look at how Firat could shuffle his pack in the 1600 Hrs EAT kickoff at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda, where he promised to make “a few surprises.”Goalkeeper: Patrick Matasi Definitely not one of the surprises, as the Kenya Police goalkeeper is expected to keep his role in between the sticks.His performance against Ivory Coast and Burundi was as decent as it gets, and no inroads have been made by his understudy Bryne Omondi.Right-back: Amos Nondi Having missed out in the last international windows, it is our expectation that Nondi slots back to his familiar right-back position, given the absence of sure starter Anyembe.##NAJAVA_MECA_8317128##Center backs: Joseph Okumu and Alphonce OmijaReturning Reims defender Okumu is expected to skipper the side from his center-back position, and the first wildcard for Firat will be the inclusion of Omija as his partner.Omija’s performance at right-back against Ivory Coast perhaps raises questions over why he shouldn’t slot in there this time, but what stands out is his versatility in defense, given that he has also played in the position before.It is also unlikely that Firat will go with the untested Sylvester Owino, having stressed how important the fixture is.Left-back: Eric OumaAnother reprieve to Firat is the return of Ouma, who will for sure reclaim his place at left-back, having last featured at the position in October last year.5 key battles expected in Harambee Stars AFCON qualifier against ZimbabweCentral Midfield: Teddy Akumu and Richard Odada The go-to midfield combo for Firat will be Akumu and Odada, who have rarely put a foot wrong in previous assignments.Akumu constantly featured when he was a free agent and therefore more reason to include him now given his access to regular games at Iranian club Kheybar Khorramabad.Odada, despite failing to start at new club Dundee United, should get the nod.Attacking midfield: Kenneth MugunaOperating as a 10 will likely be Muguna, who will work as the creator through the middle and has shown his ability to drift on the flanks in previous matches.After his MVP season in the league, Austin Odhiambo could be a key player off the bench in the position.It’s Matchday! #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/Wsh93BeMVV— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 6, 2024 Left-wing: John AvireEarly indications predict Avire making a start on the left flank, given the shortage of options.Ideally, Timbe would have been the starter, but Firat will have bought into Avire’s sharpness in that position when he came from the bench against Zimbabwe in March.Right-wing: Rooney OnyangoIt is now proven how much of a boost Rooney offers when thrust into an attacking role rather than being deployed as a right-back.His recent brace for Gor Mahia in the CAF Champions League goes along with how Firat has always wanted Rooney to play: without a handbrake on.Engin Firat’s Delight: Kenya’s new gem – Rooney OnyangoStriker: Benson OmalaExpected to fill in the shoes of Olunga will be Omala, who recently earned a move abroad to Lebanon after winning the Premier League Golden Boot last season.His debut against Seychelles last year came with a goal, and he will get a lot of support from former teammate Rooney Onyango.
