Why highly rated Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe is absent ahead of World Cup qualifiers

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FOOTBALL Why highly rated Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe is absent ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Festus Chuma 11:00 - 14.11.2023

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has discussed Daniel Anyembe's absence in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has provided insight into the absence of defender Daniel Anyembe for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles.

Anyembe, who played a pivotal role in Kenya's recent friendly matches against Qatar and South Sudan, had initially been named in the squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Firat shared the details behind Anyembe's absence, emphasizing his commitment to the team's cause while addressing concerns about his health.

"I am always in contact with Daniel. The situation was like this; he had an injury, and his club had a problem with central defenders. They had nobody, and they asked Daniel to risk the match, which he did," Firat explained.

"It was not really good for his health because he is still not back, he is not still back in team training. He is doing training with his psychotherapist," Firat added.

Firat expressed hope for Anyembe's return in the near future, acknowledging the defender's significance to the Harambee Stars.

"Daniel wants to come a lot, but I hope he will be with us next time. He is very important for us, but we have to go on and find solutions as we did in the match against Russia," Firat elaborated.

Anyembe has been sidelined for four consecutive matches with his club Viborg due to injury, with his last appearance dating back to an away assignment against Brondby on October 8, where he played the full 90 minutes.

In light of Anyembe's absence, Firat has been exploring alternatives, with potential options such as Gor Mahia's Rooney Onyango and Armenia-based utility player Amos Nondi being considered for the important role.

Harambee Stars' first assignment in the World Cup qualifiers is scheduled for November 16, where they will face the Panthers of Gabon at the Renovation Stadium in Franceville.

The team, on the hunt for their maiden World Cup ticket, will then confront Seychelles, a lower-ranked opponent, on November 21 in Ivory Coast.

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