2026 World Cup qualifier, Kenya Police defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng has received a late call-up to join the Harambee Stars squad. Ochieng, known for his robust defensive skills and seasoned experience, will bolster Kenya’s backline as they prepare to face the formidable African champions, Ivory Coast, at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Ochieng’s inclusion comes at a critical juncture for Kenya. The Harambee Stars, under the stewardship of coach Engin Firat, are grappling with the challenge of fortifying a defence that has been less than stellar in recent matches. The urgency for defensive reinforcements became glaringly apparent after the team’s 1-1 draw against Burundi, a match marred by defensive lapses that cost Kenya a crucial victory.
The defender’s last stint with the national team was in June 2023 during the Four Nations tournament, where he played against Pakistan and Mauritius. Despite not featuring for the national side since then, Ochieng has consistently demonstrated high performance levels at the club level with Kenya Police, earning him this pivotal call-up.
Ochieng will be joining other late call-ups, including Malawi-based Clyde Senaji and his Kenya Police team-mate David Okoth. These additions reflect Firat’s strategy to infuse the squad with experienced and reliable players in the face of key absences. The Kenyan defence is notably missing stalwarts like Joseph Okumu and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, whose absences have left significant gaps.
In the previous match against Burundi, right-back Daniel Anyembe was partnered with Johnstone Omurwa in central defence. Unfortunately, Anyembe’s mistake led to an easy equaliser for the Swallows, highlighting the need for a more solid and experienced defensive setup. Ochieng’s arrival is expected to address this vulnerability, bringing in his wealth of experience and stability to the backline.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Harambee Stars as they prepare to take on Ivory Coast. A defeat against the Ivorians would severely dent Kenya’s World Cup qualification hopes, leaving them eight points adrift of the group leaders after just four matches. The team’s performance in Lilongwe will be crucial in determining their path forward in the qualification campaign.
Coach Firat’s decision to call up Ochieng and other seasoned players indicates a tactical shift aimed at shoring up the defence and instilling resilience in the team. As the Harambee Stars gear up for this high-pressure encounter, the inclusion of experienced defenders like Ochieng could prove to be the difference between keeping their World Cup dreams alive or facing an early exit from the qualification race.
