Former Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla was one of the surprising omissions when Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat named his squad to face Cameroon in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.It has now emerged that Omalla, currently playing for Lebanese side Al-Safa FC, may not be called up to the national team for some time.##NAJAVA_MECA_8380257##Here’s why: Al-Safa FC has lodged a complaint with FIFA regarding the player’s conduct and has declined to officially release him for international duty.“The club is upset because the last time Omalla left Lebanon, he departed seven days earlier than the required period. Additionally, after completing his national duty, he returned late,” said a member of the Harambee Stars technical bench, who requested anonymity.The source added that even if Omalla is currently in the country, they cannot call him up since he does not have permission from his club to join the national team.“It’s a serious issue. The club has even questioned why Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has not sanctioned the player for his behavior. At the moment, he is not in our plans for the foreseeable future.”Omalla joined the Lebanese club in August on a one-year contract for an undisclosed amount.Surprisingly, he returned to Nairobi barely three weeks after joining the team.Initially, it was believed that his return was for international duty, as he had been called up for matches against Namibia and Zimbabwe. However, even after those two matches, he did not immediately return to Lebanon.It remains to be seen what will happen to the player, who was the top scorer in the local league last season and has been struggling to establish himself professionally.Engin Firat names 28-man Harambee Stars provisional squad set for Cameroon dutyFull Provisional SquadGoalkeepers: 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), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)Forwards: John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)Kenya vs Cameroon AFCON qualifier in Uganda to be played behind closed doors
