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Olunga had surprisingly been left out of the initial squad released on FKF's media pages but will join up with the squad.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has assured fans that star striker and team captain Michael Olunga will join the squad for their upcoming fixtures, despite his initial omission from the recently announced team list.
Olunga has scored 23 goals in all competitions for Al Duhail this season, and featured prominently in their loss to Al-Sadd in the Emir Cup semi-final last Saturday, playing the entire match. When it was announced by FKF that he had been omitted from the squad, eyebrows were understandably raised.
The coach addressed the criticism directed at his squad selection, reiterating that Olunga would be part of the upcoming qualifying campaign after all.
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14:00 - 20.05.2024
Michael Olunga missing as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad for upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Michael Olunga is unexpectedly left out of Harambee Stars' squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
"Michael Olunga is part of the team and will play a crucial role in the qualifying campaign. He was missing from the list but he will link up with the team before we play in Malawi," Firat told Twiga News.
As the Harambee Stars prepare for their important fixtures, Firat's confirmation of Olunga's involvement is a significant boost for the team's aspirations.
This latest development comes amidst Firat's criticism of certain Kenyan journalists, whom he accuses of spreading unfounded claims that destabilize the national team.
Firat specifically called out an online journalist with close ties to the football federation for disseminating incorrect information.
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12:35 - 03.10.2024
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He expressed his frustration , emphasizing that some of the players not named in the squad are dealing with injuries, while others, including Olunga, will join the team in Malawi.
"Some journalists are not patriotic at all. They are trying to destabilize the team ahead of very crucial fixtures.
“There's one particular journalist with connections to the federation who is notorious in this. He has connections but does not dare verify information," Firat stated.
Firat's comments highlight the challenges he faces in maintaining team unity and focus, as he strives to navigate both on-field and off-field issues.
Harambee Stars will be facing Burundi on June 7 in Malawi, before facing AFCON holders Ivory Coast on June 11.
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09:07 - 20.05.2024
Kenya Police coach defends Patrick Matasi's recent howlers following Tusker loss
Matasi's mistakes have directly contributed to the last two goals Kenya Police have conceded.
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