FOOTBALL Analysing Engin Firat's latest Harambee Stars squad for Malawi Four Nations Tournament

A deep dive into Engin Firat's latest 27-man Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming Malawi Four Nations tournament.

On Wednesday morning, Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat named a provisional 27-man squad for the upcoming Malawi Four Nations Tournament, where they will be facing the hosts in their opening encounter on Saturday 23 March.

Firat made seven changes to the squad that took part in the opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games against Gabon and Seychelles last November.

He named four goalkeepers, eight defenders, 11 midfielders, and four strikers in the team, seemingly following the new regular AFCON rule of having 27 players in the squad.

The squad still did spark some debate, with fans openly questioning the selection of some players and the absence of others.

This article will attempt to analyse Firat’s latest squad, and try to assess how he could use some of the players at his disposal during the break.

Goalkeepers

In the goalkeeping department, Firat named three regular keepers, including Bryne Omondi, who returns to the squad for the first time since breaking his leg during their 2-2 draw with Russia last September, but there was the inclusion of Murang’a Seal’s Bonphas Munyasa.

Ian Otieno, another inclusion has played regularly as the first-choice Zesco United goalkeeper as they fight for the Zambian MTN Super League title, but has struggled to fully convince while in a Harambee Stars shirt.

He is currently the third-choice keeper in the pecking order behind Patrick Matasi, who is vastly experienced, but Matasi himself plays second fiddle to Byrne Omondi when fully fit.

Omondi has not played much since the injury and is yet to cement himself as first choice at Bandari who currently prefer Joseph Ochuka. Ochuka was part of the squad in November but has been left out this time.

Firat has named a different wild card goalkeeping pick since March 2023, and Munyasa will use this chance to try and impress him in training sessions to earn his trust for future call-ups, and it would not be surprising to see him not play a single match.

Defenders

Joseph Okumu, the country’s prime defender, is likely to miss out after suffering an adductor injury three weeks ago and may have to be replaced.

Johnstone Omurwa has played regular football in the Portuguese top flight for Estrela Amadora this season, but has not featured for the side in any of their last three games. 

However, his ball playing capability and leadership qualities have been invaluable for the team since he started becoming a major fixture.

Daniel Anyembe also makes a return to the side for the first time since September. He has been nursing a lengthy injury he finally got over, and has featured as a substitute for Danish side Viborg in each of their last two games.

Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma is another who is likely to miss the Malawi trip after he suffered an injury while playing for his new side Rakow on Wednesday, which could force Engin Firat into drafting two replacements to the side in place of the two Kakamega High School alumni.

Amos Nondi has been a regular fixture at right back, and can also play in the midfield positions, while Dennis Ng’ang’a impressed in his two outings for the side last November, and can also play as a left back.

Collins Sichenje has matured since embarking on his European adventure for Swedish side AIK, and his loan spell at Finish side KuPs was successful as he was named the league’s Young Player of the Year.

He is expected to play a role for the upcoming tournament, having not played since the 1-0 loss to Mauritius.

Midfielders

In midfield, Firat has called up 11 players to his setup, and there are five defensive midfielders in the team. Anthony Akumu and Richard Odada are usual suspects, but there is an inclusion of three players Firat has never called up before.

AFC Leopards’ Kayci Odhiambo, Chris Erambo of Tusker and ex-Gor Mahia midfielder Alphonce Omija make the setup. All three should add incredible passing to the team, and Erambo in particular adds industry to the team.

Firat has also called up David Sakwa who moved from Division One in January to sign terms with Bandari.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Muguna, Rooney Onyango, Ayub Timbe and Eric Johanna keep their places, but there is also the inclusion of Sharrif Musa, who has risen to prominence at Gor Mahia after a fruitful first half of the season at Bidco United.

He is expected to add direct running to the team.

Forwards

Engin Firat has kept Michael Olunga and Benson Omala in the squad, and Olunga is expected to be the starting striker, but there is the return of John Avire and Jonah Ayunga, back in the team for the first time in over five years.

Ayunga is match-sharp after being given a run of games after returning from a lengthy ACL injury, while Avire has settled in Egypt and will be hoping he can finally get his fourth cap in national team colors.

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