Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has left out former Gor Mahia star striker Benson Omala and Romania-based forward Eric Johana from the provisional squad set to face Cameroon in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers.

The matches, scheduled for October 11 and 14, will see Kenya play the first leg in Douala and the return leg in Kampala, Uganda, due to the lack of a FIFA/CAF-approved stadium in Kenya.

Notably, young prospect Adam Wilson, who plays for New Saints, has been included in the squad alongside Ulinzi Stars forward Boniface Muchiri and AFC Leopards’ in-form striker Sydney Lokale.

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The squad will be anchored by key players like captain Michael Olunga, Joseph Okumu of Reims. However, the exclusion of Omala, who had a stellar run in the FKF Premier League, and Johana has sparked debate among Kenyan football fans.

Provisional Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Richards Bay FC), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Omondi (Bandari)

Defenders

Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Johnstone Omurwa (Abha), Collins Sichenje (Vojvodina), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Eric Ouma (Rakow)

Midfielders

David Odoyo (Tusker), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Dundee United), John Ochieng (Zanaco), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Alfred Scriven (Bryne FK), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia)

Forwards

John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Adam Wilson (New Saints), Sydney Lokale (AFC Leopards)

Cameroon has also named a 33-man provisional squad, headlined by Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, for the back to back qualifiers.

Cameroon head coach Marc Brys unveiled the squad during CRTV’s sports programme Fou Fou Foot, a move that drew attention from fans, especially in light of the recent six-month ban imposed on Cameroon FA President Samuel Eto’o by FIFA.

Inter Milan’s Yann Aurel Bisseck, Eric-Junior Dina-Ebimbe of Eintracht Frankfurt and Nicky Beloko, who plays for Swiss side FC Luzern, have rejected call ups to the Indomitable Lions.

Notable names in the squad include seasoned forward Vincent Aboubakar and Napoli’s midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Provisional Indomitable Lions squad 

Goalkeepers

Andre Onana (Manchester United, England), Simon Omossola (St Eloi Lupopo, DR Congo), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Nimes, France).

Defenders

Christopher Wooh (Rennes, France), Jean Tchatchoua (Hellas Verona, Italy), Harold Moukoudi (AEK Athens, Greece), Yvan Dibango (AKryvbas Kryvyi Ri, Ukraine), Michael Ngadeu (Beijing Guoan, China), Noho Tolo (Seattle Sounders, USA), Fai Collins (Al-Tai, Saudi Arabia), Guy Kilama (Niort, France), James Djeungoue (Gaziantep, Turkey).

Midfielders

Zambo Anguissa (Napoli, Italy), Martin Hongla (Hellas Verona, Italy), Olivier Ntcham (Samsunspor, Turkey), Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Yvan Neyou (Leganés, Spain), Pierre Kunde (Dibba Al-Hisn, UAE), Flavien Boyomo ( CA Osasuna, Spain), Martin Atemengue (FC Ashdod, Israel).

Forwards

Lamkel Ze (FC Metz, France), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, England), Moumi Ngamaleu (Young Boys, Switzerland), Kevin Nkoudou (Damac, Saudi Arabia), Vincent Aboubakar (Hatayspor, Turkey), Frank Magri (Toulouse, France), Enow Boris (DC United, USA), Christian Bassogog (Al-Okhdood, Saudi Arabia), Danny Namasso (Reading, England), Patrick Socko (SD Huesca, Spain).