The Kenya men’s national team, Harambee Stars, faces a substantial setback ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualification match against Cameroon this Friday at the Stade Omnisport de Douala. The return leg is set for next Monday in Uganda.This is after star midfielder Austin Odhiambo suffered a knee injury on the first day of training last Friday, just as he was settling into camp with the rest of the local-based players, and is highly likely to miss both games.##NAJAVA_MECA_8396188##Unfortunately, his hopes of playing against the Indomitable Lions were dashed when he picked up the injury during the very first session. The severity of the injury is still being assessed, and he has not participated in training since. It now seems likely that he will miss both crucial matches, which could determine Kenya’s fate in the quest for AFCON qualification.”Austin picked up an injury on the first day and hasn’t trained with the team since. It was a knee injury, and barring any miraculous recovery, he won’t be part of the squad traveling to Cameroon and Uganda for the two games,” a source shared with Mozzart Sport.Odhiambo, the 2023-24 FKF Premier League MVP, had started the 2024-25 season strongly, delivering a man-of-the-match performance in a 4-0 win over Mathare United. It looked like he was set for another promising season before this injury struck, leaving his return date uncertain.His absence is a considerable blow for Kenya, leaving Duke Abuya as the only remaining creative midfielder in the squad preparing for the matches against Cameroon. Kenneth Muguna of Kenya Police FC has also been ruled out after suffering an injury in his team’s first league game of the season against Tusker FC over a week ago.Coach Engin Firat may turn to Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri as another option for the attacking midfield position. Muchiri has returned to the national team after a three-year absence and, while primarily a winger, he can also play in a more central role behind the main striker, Michael Olunga.Sofapaka open to Matano’s exit amid Coastal Union talksProvisional Squad to play Cameroon.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)Inside Kenya Premier League’s plan for a new competition involving every county
