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Injury concerns loom as two dependable defenders face doubt ahead of vital World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles.
Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu and AIK counterpart Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma are facing uncertainty as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles.
Their participation in these crucial matches hangs in the balance, sending ripples of concern through the Harambee Stars camp.
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09:20 - 12.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Joseph Okumu's valiant effort falls short against Kylian Mbappe's Paris Saint-Germain
Okumu's valiant effort could not thwart Kylian Mbappe's brilliance as PSG triumphed 3-0 against Reims in a Ligue 1 clash.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat had pinned his hopes on Okumu and Marcelo for the two qualifiers scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2023, in Franceville, and then against Seychelles on Monday, November 20, 2023, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
However, the clubs of these talented defenders, Stade de Reims and AIK, are hesitant to release them due to ongoing medical concerns.
Okumu recently displayed his unwavering resilience on the pitch, even though his team, Stade de Reims, suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, led by the unstoppable Kylian Mbappe.
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20:41 - 12.11.2023
STARS ABROAD ‘Marcelo’ avoids relegation as Timothy Ouma suffers title heartbreak in Sweden
Harambee Stars full-back Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma helped AIK avoid relegation as Timothy ‘Babu’ Ouma missed out on the title on the last day of Swedish league action.
On the other side of the spectrum, Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma wrapped up his fourth season with AIK on a high note.
The Stockholm-based side managed to avoid relegation from the Swedish Allsvenskan with a convincing 3-1 win over Varnamo on a memorable Sunday evening.
Marcelo's performance was commendable, making two crucial blocks, as many interceptions, winning three ground duels, and successfully completing two out of three take-ons during his impressive 89 minutes on the field.
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14:45 - 13.11.2023
FOOTBALL Seychelles players boycott training in lead up to Harambee Stars clash
Seychelles national team confronts a player boycott due to club interference and Gacon test disputes ahead of the Harambee Stars match.
However, Coach Engin Firat announced a series of setbacks on the injury front, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the team's prospects in the upcoming qualifiers.
Collins Sichenje and Daniel Anyembe will be absent from the squad due to injuries, dealing a blow to Kenya's chances.
"The weekend was not really good for us," lamented Firat. "Collins Sichenje had knee surgery, Daniel Anyembe is out, Joseph Okumu is a big question mark because he is now undergoing an MRI in Paris due to a last-minute knock, the same goes for Marcello as I spoke to his doctor yesterday, and we will see," he said.
"Ayub has a long-term problem, and I don't know what will come of it," Firat continued. "Nearly all the backline has big problems, and I don't know who will be available for us or not. But I am not someone who cries. I have enough boys, and I try to put them together, and we will see if we will be ready for the game."
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13:07 - 13.11.2023
STARS ABROAD Former Gor Mahia midfielder earns high praise in Zambia
The Kenyan defensive midfielder has been lauded for his impressive displays since signing for Zanaco FC from FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia.
The uncertainty surrounding Okumu and Marcelo's participation has heightened tension as the departure to Gabon for the crucial matches has been slated for Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 8 am.
Kenya finds itself in a challenging Group F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, alongside tough competitors such as Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.
The fate of these two key defenders, Joseph Okumu and Eric 'Marcelo' Ouma, hangs in the balance, leaving fans and the coaching staff in suspense.
14:03 - 10.11.2023
FOOTBALL Eric Johana returns as Engin Firat names Harambee Stars squad for World Cup qualifiers
Firat has named Eric Johana in his 28-man squad for the first time since taking over as head coach but also handed debut call-ups to three other players.
As the clock ticks down to the qualifiers, the Harambee Stars will have to find alternative strategies and solutions to secure their path to the 2026 World Cup in the face of mounting challenges.
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