Omalla, Ronney, Simiti receive Harambee Stars call ups ahead of World Cup qualifiers

9th November 2023

The three players will be in the provisional squad to be named by Engin Firat.

Benson Omalla. PHOTO| FKFPL
Benson Omalla. PHOTO| FKFPL
SUMMARY
  • The Gor Mahia trio received the call ups ahead of the November international break.
  • Kenya is scheduled to play two away matches against Gabon and Seychelles on November 16 and November 20 respectively.
  • Simiti is yet to earn a cap for Harambee Stars and could be in line for his debut should he make the final squad.

Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla and the defensive duo of Geoffrey ‘Simiti’ Ochieng and Ronney Onyango have been called up to the Harambee Stars squad set to take part in two upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this November, SportPesa News can exclusively reveal.

The men’s national team is scheduled to play two away matches against Gabon and Seychelles on November 16 and November 20 respectively with the trio included in the provisional squad set to be named by head coach Engin Firat.

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While Onyango and Omalla have made their debuts for the national team, Simiti is yet to earn a cap for Harambee Stars and could be in line for his debut should he make the final squad.

“I am writing to formally request the release of these valued members of your club, to enable them join our national team on November 11, 2023 after your match against Murang'a Seal in preparation and participation in the above stated assignment (FIFA World Cup qualifiers).

The players will be released back to your club on November 22, 2023,” a letter from Football Kenya Federation sent to Gor Mahia read.

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Harambee Stars boss Firat has been heavily criticized in recent times for not including Omalla in the Harambee Stars squads despite his goal scoring form for club.

After finishing last season on 26 goals, just one short of Golden Boot winner Elvis Rupia, the former Western Stima man carried his impressive form to the current campaign where he currently tops the scoring charts on 7 goals.

The striker was not part of the Kenya team that played to a 2-2 draw against Russia and the 0-1 loss against South Sudan.

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He was also not named in the squad that beat 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar 1-2 with his last and only appearance in the national team coming back in June against hosts Mauritius in the Four Nations friendly tournament.