Shock as Austin Odhiambo misses out from Harambee Stars provisional squad for Malawi tourney

Harambee Stars manager Engin Firat made headlines on Wednesday when he omitted Gor Mahia’s in-form midfielder Austin Odhiambo from his 27-man provisional squad that will represent the country in the Four-Nations tournament set to take place in Malawi from 18-26 March.

Odhiambo, whose name has been among the contenders for the 23/24 Player of the Season award owing to his impressive form in this campaign, missed out despite bagging seven goals and being among the top assistors in the league.

His brilliant form has helped Gor Mahia to edge closer to a record-extending 21^st title as they currently sit at the summit of the league standings on 50 points, seven clear of closest challengers Tusker.

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In the named squad, Firat has given five players their first call-ups ahead of the upcoming four-nation tournament.

Shariff Musa, who joined Gor Mahia during the mid-season transfer window, Chris Erambo and Alphonce Omija are some of the players who have received their maiden national team call-ups.

Omija currently plays for Oman-based side Dhofar Club and has previously made an appearance for the national U17 side.

Other players who are expected to don the Harambee Stars jersey for the first time in their careers include Murang’a Seal’s shot-stopper Bonphas Munyasa, and AFC Leopards defender Kaycie Odhiambo. Odhiambo and Munyasa have played crucial roles for the clubs for their clubs in recent weeks.

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Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu, Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, and the highly rated Richard Odada are some of the European-based players who have made it to the squad.

Experienced forward John Avire, who plays professional football in Egypt with club Misr el Makasa has also returned to the national team.  

Some of the nations that have confirmed their participation in the tournament are Zimbabwe and former African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions Zambia alongside hosts Malawi.

Harambee Stars will use the event to prepare for the 2025 AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

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Harambee Stars provisional squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco-Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Bonphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal)

Defenders

Collins Sichenje (AIK-Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela-Portugal), Dennis Ng’ang’a (Zanaco Zambia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg-Denmark), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland)

Midfielders

Alphonce Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Aalborg-Denmark), Anthony Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), David Sakwa (Bandari), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sebail-Azeberijan), Eric Johanna  (UTA-Romania), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia).

Forwards

John Avire (Sekka), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)

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