The buildup to Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualification game against the Ivory Coast on Tuesday is turning out to be dramatic, with more players being called up to the national team, Harambee Stars, highlighting the poorly planned preparations.As Kenya gears up to face the African champions, the preparations have been nothing short of chaotic, with players receiving random call-ups to the national team. These players were not even part of the provisional squad that trained with the rest of the team before the final squad departed for Malawi.##NAJAVA_MECA_8151662##The chaos began last week when Clifton Miheso received a late call-up after Eric Johanna went AWOL. The players had been given a break on Friday and were expected back in camp on Saturday before the team left for Malawi on Tuesday. However, Johanna failed to show up, and Miheso was called up to replace him.Next was Sofapaka right-back Baron Ochieng. The uncapped player earned his call-up just before the 1-1 draw with Burundi on Friday. He had never been part of the national team setup and was named among the substitutes against Burundi.Rooney Onyango’s rising star continues to shineAfter the disappointing draw against Burundi, coach Engin Firat decided to bolster his squad by calling up Kenya Police FC winger David Okoth, who landed in Lilongwe on Sunday morning. This decision came after the game against Burundi highlighted a lack of depth out wide, as coach Firat was forced to field midfielders in wide positions. The only natural winger available, Miheso, had put in a disappointing shift.On Sunday, two more players received late call-ups. Kenya Police FC defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng was summoned to Malawi, as was Malawi-based Clyde Senaji, who had been overlooked for the past year despite his strong performances for Nyasa Big Bullets.These late call-ups mean that the team will not have adequate time to prepare together as a whole and will need a miracle to beat the African champions, who lead Group A with a 100% record.Despite the troubled preparations, the Turkish coach remains optimistic of getting fair results.”So many things can happen. And like I said before, in our group, okay, Ivory Coast is the favorite. And I don’t think the Seychelles have any chance. But all the other teams, I think, are on a similar level. Therefore, it will be an open game until the last minute.”Tusker star Daniel Sakari calls for better pre-season ahead of 2024-2025 FKFPL season
