Nairobi — Kenya have been hit with injuries to key players ahead of two crucial World Cup qualifiers in Malawi next month, their coach said on Wednesday.
Engin Firat said that his plans for the matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast have been made harder as up to eight first team players have been affected by injury.
But he confirmed that Harambee Stars skipper and top striker Michael Olunga, whose name did not appear in an initial 25-member squad list released on Monday, will fly directly to Malawi, rather than travelling via Kenya.
Olunga, 30, plays for Qatari club Al Duhail.
Among the injured players are striker Masoud Juma as well as defenders Dennis Nganga, Eric “Marcelo” Ouma and Joseph Okumu, Firat said.
“People talk of Michael Olunga but there are up to eight players not on the list,” the Turkish coach told a news conference.
“I don’t know for sure who will be 100 percent ready.”
Firat Names 25-Man Squad for June World Cup Qualifiers
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— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) May 20, 2024
Harambee Stars will play Burundi on June 7 before facing Ivory Coast, the reigning African champions, four days later.
Kenya were forced to relocate their matches to Malawi after the Kenyan government closed down all major stadiums for renovations, meaning no FIFA-approved venues were available.
Kenya currently sit third in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, after picking up three points from their opening two matches against Gabon and Seychelles.
Ivory Coast and Gabon are tied for the lead with six points each from two matches.
Only the top team in the group with qualify for the 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United states, while the runners-up will compete in the play-offs.
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Source: AFP
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