The Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team, are gearing up for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying double-header against Cameroon, but they have been hit by a significant setback. One of the team’s key players, Austin Odhiambo, has suffered a knee injury just as the team began its preparations. This injury is a major blow to Kenya’s ambitions, as Odhiambo was expected to play a central role in the upcoming fixtures.
Odhiambo, the reigning Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League Most Valuable Player (MVP), had been in excellent form leading up to this international break. His performances for his club, Gor Mahia, had been exceptional, and he had already earned three caps for the national team. His creative ability and presence in the midfield were seen as vital for Kenya’s chances of overcoming Cameroon, a formidable opponent on the African football stage.
Unfortunately, Odhiambo’s injury occurred during the very first day of training with the national team. As the players settled into camp, Odhiambo sustained a knee injury that has kept him out of further training sessions. The full extent of his injury is still being assessed, but it looks increasingly likely that he will miss both legs of the AFCON qualifier. This has left a considerable void in Kenya’s midfield and raised concerns about the team’s ability to compete without one of its star players.
The injury has not only come at a bad time for the team but also for Odhiambo personally. The midfielder was coming off a standout performance for Gor Mahia in their 4-0 victory over Mathare United, where he earned the man-of-the-match accolade. He was expected to carry this excellent domestic form into the national team, where his role was seen as critical in the upcoming matches against Cameroon. However, with his injury, the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain, and he is now highly unlikely to feature in either game.
The Harambee Stars will play the first leg of the qualifier this Friday at the Stade Omnisport de Douala in Cameroon. The return fixture is scheduled to take place the following Monday in Uganda. These matches are of immense importance to Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON, and Odhiambo’s absence is a significant blow to their prospects. The pressure now falls on head coach Engin Firat and the rest of the squad to compensate for the loss of one of their key players.
In addition to Odhiambo’s injury, Kenya is also dealing with the absence of another important playmaker, Kenneth Muguna. Muguna, who plays for Kenya Police FC, sustained an injury during his club’s opening league match against Tusker FC. This has ruled him out of the national team’s AFCON qualifying campaign, leaving Kenya without two of their most creative midfielders. With both Odhiambo and Muguna unavailable, Harambee Stars find themselves short on creative options in the middle of the park.
This situation leaves Duke Abuya as the only remaining creative midfielder in the squad. Abuya, a talented player in his own right, now faces the daunting task of filling the creative void left by Odhiambo and Muguna. While Abuya has shown flashes of brilliance in previous appearances for the national team, the burden on him will be significant as he is now expected to orchestrate the team’s attack and provide the necessary service to star striker Michael Olunga.
Firat may also be forced to explore alternative options in the squad to address the creative deficit. One such option is Ulinzi Stars’ Boniface Muchiri, who recently returned to the national team setup after a three-year absence. Muchiri, primarily a winger, has the versatility to play in a more central role if needed. His ability to operate behind the striker could provide Firat with a valuable alternative in attack, especially given the team’s shortage of creative midfielders.
Muchiri’s inclusion in the starting lineup, should Firat choose to deploy him, would bring a different dynamic to the team. Known for his pace and ability to deliver dangerous crosses, Muchiri could complement the attacking prowess of Olunga, who is one of Kenya’s most lethal goal-scorers. Olunga, who has built a reputation as one of Africa’s top strikers, will be relied upon heavily in these matches, and Muchiri’s delivery from wide areas or a more central position could be a key factor in unlocking Cameroon’s defense.
The loss of Odhiambo is especially disappointing given his recent rise to prominence in the national team. He had been a standout performer during the COSAFA Cup in June, where he represented the Rising Stars, Kenya’s U-23 side. During the tournament, Odhiambo scored twice and provided one assist, showcasing his ability to influence games at an international level. His performances earned him a call-up to the senior national team, and he made an instant impact by delivering an assist in Harambee Stars’ 1-1 draw against Burundi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Odhiambo’s injury, coupled with Muguna’s absence, means that Kenya’s midfield will be considerably weakened for these crucial AFCON qualifiers. The creative burden now shifts to the remaining players in the squad, and the team will need to rally together to overcome the challenges posed by Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions are a formidable opponent, and Kenya will need to be at their best if they are to secure the points needed to keep their AFCON qualification hopes alive.
Despite the setbacks, there are still reasons for optimism within the Kenyan camp. Michael Olunga, who plays for Qatari club Al-Duhail, is in excellent form and will be the focal point of Kenya’s attack. Olunga’s goal-scoring ability has been well-documented, and he has the potential to trouble even the best defenses in Africa. If Kenya can provide him with the right service, there is every chance that he could make a decisive impact in these matches.
Defensively, Kenya will also need to be solid against Cameroon, who boast a strong attacking lineup. The likes of Brian Mandela and Joseph Okumu will be tasked with keeping Cameroon’s forwards at bay. Mandela, a seasoned campaigner, brings a wealth of experience to the defense, while Okumu, who plays for French club Reims, has been in fine form for both club and country. Their partnership at the back will be crucial in ensuring that Kenya remains competitive in these matches.
Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who has been a reliable presence between the posts for Kenya, will also play a key role in keeping Cameroon’s attack at bay. Matasi has produced several memorable performances for Harambee Stars in the past, and his experience and composure will be vital in these high-pressure situations.
The upcoming matches against Cameroon represent a defining moment in Kenya’s AFCON qualification campaign. While the loss of key players like Austin Odhiambo and Kenneth Muguna is a major blow, the team still has enough quality to pose a threat to their opponents. The coaching staff will need to get their tactics right, and the players will need to rise to the occasion if Kenya is to secure the positive results they need.
For head coach Engin Firat, this is a critical juncture in his tenure with the national team. Firat, who took charge of the team in 2021, has faced several challenges during his time in charge, including navigating the team through World Cup qualifiers and now the AFCON qualification process. His ability to manage the current injury crisis and get the best out of his available players will be a key test of his coaching credentials.
As the team continues its preparations for the double-header against Cameroon, there is a sense of anticipation and nervousness within the Kenyan football community. The loss of Odhiambo is a bitter pill to swallow, but there is still hope that the team can rise to the challenge and secure the points needed to stay in the hunt for AFCON qualification. The players will need to dig deep, show resilience, and demonstrate their quality on the pitch if they are to overcome one of Africa’s footballing giants and keep their AFCON dream alive.
In conclusion, the injury to Austin Odhiambo has undoubtedly disrupted Kenya’s preparations for their crucial AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon. His absence, along with that of Kenneth Muguna, leaves a significant void in the team’s midfield, and head coach Engin Firat will need to rely on alternative options to fill the creative gap. However, with players like Michael Olunga and Boniface Muchiri still available, there is hope that the Harambee Stars can put up a strong fight against Cameroon and keep their qualification hopes alive. The next few days will be pivotal for the team as they seek to navigate this difficult challenge and secure a place in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
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