Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has urged his charges to demonstrate excellence during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign which kicks off this week.
Stars will lock horns with the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their opening Group J clash at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, on September 6.
They then battle Namibia’s Brave Warriors in South Africa on September 10. The team will leave for Uganda on Monday and proceed to South Africa on Saturday.
Firat emphasised how crucial it is to get the qualifying campaign off to a good start.
"We are committed to giving a good account of ourselves in this qualifying campaign. We would get confidence and momentum from a victory against Zimbabwe," he said.
The Turkish gaffer reckons the players are extremely driven and focused despite some hiccups that beset their preparations. He made the remarks during a press conference at the Police Sacco on Sunday.
"I am not sure how strong we are exactly but I do know that the boys here will fight to the finish," Firat said.
"We still have six matches left, so we remain optimistic. What matters are the points we have at the conclusion of all six games, not what we do in the two matches."
He cautioned his charges against resting on their laurels, telling them to brace for tough competition.
"Zimbabwe will present a formidable team and given that they have a new coach as well, we anticipate a fierce challenge from them," said Firat.
"With their victory over Tunisia in the most recent Afcon in January, Namibia are formidable as well. We anticipate a difficult match because they also defeated Cameroon in the most recent qualifiers."
Firat is positive that the players he has selected are capable of turning around the nation's fortunes. The squad commenced training last Friday at the Police Sacco Stadium.
"We have a strong team. The players who have been called up have demonstrated their ability in training and I believe they can get the job done," said the coach
Seasoned midfielder Anthony Akumu exuded confidence ahead of the qualifiers.
"We are in good shape and expect to qualify for the finals," he said, echoing the sentiments of his teammate, Benson Omalla.
"Everyone is vying to be in the starting lineup. I'm looking forward to playing on the big stage," Omalla said.
Final squad:
Goalkeepers: Levis Opiyo, Patrick Matasi, Byrone Omondi; Defenders: Sharrif Majabe, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Amos Nondi, Abud Omar, Eric Ouma, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija; Midfielders: Chris Erambo, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Eric Johanna, Ronney Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma; Forwards: John Avire, Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, Victor Omune
