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Notable omissions from the Harambee Stars squad raise questions as fans wonder about the rationale behind the coach's choices.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat on Sunday unveiled his provisional squad of 23 players for the upcoming friendly match against Russia, scheduled for Monday 16 October.
While the list boasts a mix of local and internationally-based talents, it is the players left out that have ignited a storm of discussions among fans and experts alike.
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11:33 - 08.10.2023
FOOTBALL Free agent Ovella Ochieng back as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad to face Russia
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Daniel Anyembe
One notable absentee is Daniel Anyembe, a right-back for Danish Superliga club Viborg, who has amassed an impressive 55 appearances since joining the team in July 2021.
His omission from the squad has raised questions about Firat's decision-making, especially considering Anyembe's consistency and experience in top-flight European football.
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11:00 - 08.10.2023
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Clarke Oduor
Clarke Oduor, the versatile Bradford City defender cum midfielder, also finds himself missing from the roster. Oduor had a mixed outing for Kenya, being an unused substitute during their victory against Qatar but making a brief appearance in their subsequent 1-0 defeat to South Sudan.
Benson Omala
Benson Omala, part of the Gor Mahia duo, has been in sensational form, netting six goals in the current season's Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
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Despite his goal-scoring prowess, Omala's absence from the squad is a surprising development, as his skills could provide an edge to Harambee Stars' attacking options.
Abud Omar
Abud Omar, a defender for Kenya Police FC, has consistently delivered impressive performances for his club and has been a long-standing member of the national team. However, his name was conspicuously absent from the squad list, leaving fans to wonder about the rationale behind this decision.
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10:28 - 08.10.2023
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Elvis Rupia
Elvis Rupia, the top scorer in the previous season, is another significant omission. Rupia has not only excelled domestically but has also featured in recent friendlies.
Duke Abuya
Rupia's counterpart, Duke Abuya, a talented midfielder, is also missing from the lineup, adding to the growing list of surprises in Firat's selection.
Ian Otieno
Ian Otieno, the goalkeeper from Zesco United, has been a standout performer in the Zambian league. Despite his commendable form, he failed to secure a spot in the squad, prompting speculation about the criteria used for player selection.
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12:32 - 08.10.2023
FKFPL Nzoia Sugar head coach Godfrey Oduor on what cost them in loss to Posta Rangers
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Abdallah Hassan & Timothy Ouma
Abdallah Hassan, a key figure for Bandari, and Timothy Ouma, who plies his trade with IF Elfsborg in Sweden, are also conspicuous by their absence.
Both players have the potential to make a significant impact, and their exclusion has left fans and pundits questioning Firat's choices.
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