Kenya’s national team captain, Michael Olunga, faces significant doubts about his availability for the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Harambee Stars are scheduled to face Zimbabwe on September 6 and Namibia on September 10, but Olunga’s participation in these crucial fixtures remains in question.
Kenya’s head coach, Engin Firat, has cast uncertainty over Olunga’s involvement.
In a statement, Firat noted, “Michael (Olunga) is unlikely (to play against Zimbabwe).
He will come for an MRI, but like I said, he is unlikely to play, so we have already lost a lot of players (to injuries) for the games but we will have to find solutions.”
This announcement highlights the challenges facing the Kenyan squad as they prepare for their opening matches in the AFCON qualifiers.
Olunga, who has been a pivotal figure for both his club and the national team, has been sidelined with an injury sustained during his last club appearance on August 10.
The injury has raised concerns about his fitness, leading to his probable absence from the upcoming national team fixtures.
Kenya’s preparation for the qualifiers has been overshadowed by these injury concerns, with Olunga’s potential absence adding to the team’s challenges.
The Harambee Stars will need to adapt quickly to overcome the absence of their captain and key player, as they seek to secure valuable points in the early stages of their campaign.
The situation underscores the difficulties teams face during international windows, where injuries can disrupt plans and impact performance.
Kenya will be hoping for positive news following Olunga’s MRI and will need to explore alternative strategies and solutions to compensate for his potential absence.
As the qualifiers approach, the Harambee Stars are under pressure to deliver strong performances, and the team’s ability to adjust to these unforeseen circumstances will be crucial in their quest for success in the 2025 AFCON.
