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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has provided an update on why influential winger Ayub Timbe was left out of the final squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has shed light on the exclusion of forward Ayub Masika Timbe from the final squad set to travel to Malawi for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Ivory Coast and Burundi.
Timbe, who played a pivotal role in Kenya's triumph at the Malawi Four Nations tournament in March, has been left out due to injury concerns.
Firat confirmed Timbe's absence in a discussion with Pulse Sports, stating, “Ayub suffered an injury to his knee.” This injury has sidelined the influential player, impacting his ability to join the team for these crucial qualifiers.
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08:37 - 01.06.2024
Okumu, Marcelo & Zak Vyner included in Harambee Stars final squad for Burundi, Ivory Coast ties
Bristol City star Zak Vyner was among those included in the final 25-man Harambee Stars squad set to travel to Malawi on Sunday for their matches against Ivory Coast and Burundi.
Timbe's injury woes have been ongoing, with persistent ankle problems disrupting his form over the past year. Firat previously expressed frustration over how his injuries were managed by his former club, Nanjing City.
“Ayub is a key player for the national team and he is not playing at his best level because of this injury. It hasn't been handled well at club level but we have done our best whenever he is in camp and he is getting better,” Firat explained.
The severity of Timbe’s condition was further highlighted by his absence from his current Azerbaijan club, Sabail, for their last two matches in April, raising doubts about his fitness for the national team's upcoming fixtures.
Despite his crucial contributions earlier this year, Masika's current fitness levels have forced Firat to make the difficult decision of leaving him out of the squad.
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07:34 - 01.06.2024
‘We are not an easy opponent’ - Michael Olunga puts Burundi & Ivory Coast on notice
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has warned Burundi and Ivory Coast not to expect an easy match against Kenya despite the African champions being considered favourites.
Harambee Stars will now look to other key players to step up as they aim for success in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Kenya’s squad will proceed with their preparations, hoping to achieve positive results against formidable opponents Ivory Coast and Burundi, even as they miss the services of one of their key attackers.
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17:00 - 31.05.2024
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga fires goalscoring warning to Burundi & Ivory Coast
Olunga has scored seven goals in his last three Harambee Stars appearances, which puts him in good form ahead of the Burundi and Ivory Coast tests.
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