The three K’Ogalo players have been included in coach Engin Firat’s squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
Gor Mahia trio of Austin Odhiambo, Benson Omala, and Rooney Onyango have earned a call-up to the national team, Harambee Stars.
K’Ogalo confirmed the three are part of coach Engin Firat’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast next month although the Harambee Stars coach is yet to reveal his team.
17:33 - 18.05.2024
Austin Odhiambo: Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat makes U-turn on Gor Mahia midfielder
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat seems to have had a change of heart towards Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo ahead of Kenya’s World Cup qualifiers in June.
It is good news, particularly for Odhiambo who earns a recall to the national side after previous snubs with Firat blaming him for indiscipline.
Odhiambo was last included in the national team in September 2023 ahead of friendly matches with Qatar and South Sudan but did not travel to the Asian nation due to lack of a passport.
11:05 - 18.05.2024
Harambee Stars striker set for Conference League as his club ends 37-year wait for European football
The Kenyan striker will be playing in the Europa Conference League next season after his Scottish club secured European football qualification for the first time since 1987.
That is the period he fell out with Firat who later revealed that he was not present for the match against South Sudan after leaving camp without permission.
The duo later mended faces and the player’s club form has also strengthened his case, playing a key role in Gor Mahia’s march to the FKF Premier League title, with nine goals so far.
Meanwhile, Omala has maintained his place in the national team since his return to the side in November for the matches against Gabon and Seychelles.
With St Mirren striker Jonah Ayunga injured, Omala will hope to get more minutes up front as the main competition for captain Michael Olunga.
18:24 - 17.05.2024
Firat faces selection dilemma as he prepares to name Harambee Stars' provisional squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Harambee Stars coach faces squad selection challenges due to injuries and lack of playtime as Kenya prepares for World Cup qualifiers in June.
Onyango, meanwhile, is one of Firat’s undroppables and will maintain his place in the team with the Turkish tactician playing him on the wing rather that at right-back where he plies his trade at club level.
Harambee Stars are third in Group F with three points from two matches, same as Burundi, with the Ivorians top on six points, a similar tally with Gabon, while the Gambia, who will soon be handled by Gor Mahia coach Johnathan McKinstry, and Seychelles are yet to record a point.
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