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Harambee Stars coach has explained why he called back Eric Johana to the squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles after a long absence.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat believes winger Eric Johana is another offensive weapon that his team will rely on after making a return to the national team for the first time in almost one year.
Johana was among players who earned a recall into the squad alongside former AFC Leopards winger Duncan Otieno who now pays for Botswana’s Gaborone United.
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17:00 - 13.11.2023
FOOTBALL Firat blasts ignorant Kenyans for ‘destroying’ Omala in race for Harambee Stars starting berth
The Harambee Stars coach expressed his displeasure at Kenyan fans who have been pushing for captain Michael Olunga to be dropped in favour of Gor Mahia forward Benson Omala
The winger had been without a club after leaving Thai side Muangthong United but having secured a deal in Romania with UTA Arad and returned to action, Firat is happy to have him back as he will help him unlock tight defences with his trickery and pace.
“After he finished his contract in Thailand, he did not have any team so he is now back in UTA and playing. This is the reason [he was recalled] because when I spoke to him [last time] he was without a club and not training so it was not possible,” said Firat.
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12:00 - 14.11.2023
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The former Gor Mahia player comes in to replace Brian Mandela and Collins Sichenje.
“He is one of the players who have offensive qualities, he can shoot from outside, he can bring something surprising so it is an element we need more in our team.”
Firat said he has had to rely on foreign-based players for wingers since there is a shortage of players in the FKF Premier League with the ability to play out wide given the long-ball approach employed locally.
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16:45 - 13.11.2023
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“If you look at the Kenyan league, which is our main source, you will see it is very difficult to play as a winger in this league because there are long balls all the time,” he added.
“So, we have problems to produce creative players because long balls call for physical players. We played Iran, Qatar, and Russia and many people expected us to concede five or six but more impressive for me is that against these three teams, we scored five goals and missed a lot of chances.
14:03 - 10.11.2023
FOOTBALL Eric Johana returns as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers
Firat has named Eric Johana in his 28-man squad for the first time since taking over as head coach but also handed debut call-ups to three other players.
“This means there is adaptation to what I want, to modern football, transition, it is on the way. This team is still not ready we need time, you cannot make a team in seven months. It is not a club where you train every day.”
Johana, who made his debut for Harambee Stars in October 2015, will likely get a chance to play with Ayub Timbe doubtful for Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles this month.
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