In a strategic move to bolster their squad, the Kenyan national football team has called up Baron Ochieng for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This announcement comes just two days after the team commenced their preparations in Malawi, underscoring the importance of the upcoming matches in June.
The Football Kenya Federation confirmed the addition of Ochieng via an official statement on its Twitter X platform on Tuesday.
The statement read, “Sofapaka FC right back Baron Ochieng has been called up to the Harambee Stars senior national team for the first time.
He is summoned after having proven himself with the junior teams.”
Ochieng’s rapid ascent in Kenyan football has been nothing short of remarkable.
Within six months, he progressed from the Kenya Under-18 team, which competed in the CECAFA Junior Championship in December 2023, to the Kenya U20 team in Malawi in March 2024.
This rapid rise has now culminated in his call-up to the senior national team, the Harambee Stars.
The 19-year-old right-back will join the national team squad on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 4, 2024, where he will team up with Daniel Anyembe and Collins Sichenje.
His inclusion is seen as a strategic move to provide depth in defense, particularly as an understudy for Tobias Knost.
Kenya’s head coach expressed confidence in Ochieng’s abilities, highlighting his impressive performances with the junior teams.
This call-up not only rewards Ochieng’s hard work and dedication but also aims to inject fresh energy into the squad as they prepare for the challenging fixtures ahead.
The Harambee Stars are set to face Burundi and Ivory Coast in their 3rd and 4th day matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
These matches are critical for Kenya’s aspirations to secure a place in the World Cup, and the team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.
Here is the final list of all the players now selected to play the 3rd and 4th day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast:
- Patrick Matasi
- Ian Otieno
- David Ochieng
- Joash Onyango
- Johnstone Omurwa
- Joseph Okumu
- Erick Ouma
- Baron Ochieng
- Daniel Anyembe
- Collins Sichenje
- Tobias Knost
- Michael Olunga
- Victor Wanyama
- Kenneth Muguna
- Eric Johana
- Masud Juma
- Abdallah Hassan
- Lawrence Juma
- Boniface Muchiri
- Timothy Otieno
- Henry Meja
- Richard Odada
- Clifton Miheso
The inclusion of Baron Ochieng brings renewed optimism and anticipation as the Harambee Stars gear up for their World Cup qualification campaign. All eyes will be on the young defender as he looks to make his mark on the international stage.
