- Rising Stars captain Amos Wanjala has joined the senior Harambee Stars squad for the last two AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
- Wanjala has quickly progressed through the U18, U20, and U23 teams to secure a place in the national team.
- His leadership and skills in recent tournaments, including CECAFA and COSAFA, have drawn support from fans for his inclusion.
- Ulinzi Stars’ Leshan Mootian and Kenya Police’s Marvin Nabwire also join the squad for the first time.
- The team departs Nairobi on November 11 to prepare for the matches in South Africa on November 15 and November 19.
Amos Wanjala, captain of Kenya’s Rising Stars, has achieved a significant milestone by earning his place in the Harambee Stars squad for the final two AFCON 2025 qualifiers. Coach Engin Firat selected Wanjala and other promising talents as the team prepares to face Zimbabwe and Namibia in South Africa.
Wanjala’s swift rise to the senior team comes after an impressive year of performances. Starting as U18 captain in the CECAFA tournament in Kisumu, Wanjala moved up to lead the U20 and U23 squads. His solid play in the COSAFA Cup in South Africa and his leadership during the U20 qualifiers in Tanzania led fans to rally for his promotion to the national team. Alongside Wanjala, Ulinzi Stars’ Leshan Mootian and Kenya Police midfielder Marvin Nabwire, who impressed in the CHAN qualifiers, join the squad for the first time.
Experienced players like Tusker’s Charles Momanyi also made the roster, while seasoned goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was left out, with Firat opting for Ian Otieno, Bryne Omondi, and Faruk Shikalo in goal.
Upcoming Matches
The Harambee Stars will face Zimbabwe on November 15, followed by a crucial game against Namibia on November 19, both at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Currently, Kenya sits third in Group J, needing victories to boost their AFCON qualifying hopes.
Harambee Stars Final Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Byrne Odhiambo
- Faruk Shikhalo
- Ian Otieno
Defenders:
- Daniel Anyembe
- Amos Wanjala
- Amos Nondi
- Joseph Okumu
- Johnstone Omurwa
- Charles Momanyi
- Eric Ouma
- Abud Omar
Midfielders:
- Anthony Akumu
- Marvin Nabwire
- Duke Abuya
- Timothy Ouma
- Richard Odada
- Austine Odhiambo
- Ronney Onyango
- Alfred Scriven
- Leshan Mootian
- Adam Wilson
Forwards:
- Michael Olunga
- Jonah Ayunga
- John Avire
The inclusion of young talents like Amos Wanjala brings fresh energy to the Harambee Stars as they head to South Africa. With a talented mix of youth and experience, the team aims to deliver strong performances in their final qualifiers.
