BY GEORGE AJWALA
Harambee stars have been dealt a major blow after Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo was ruled out of the African Cup (AFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon, with a knee injury.
According to Stars assistant coach Ken Odhiambo Austin carried the injury to training, and was released by head coach Engin Firat after getting checked by the national team doctor on Friday at Police Sacco grounds.
The FKF 2023-2024 FKF premier league most valuable player confirmed contrary to reports of a series injury, it was just a knock that will sideline him for two weeks.
Austin who scored K’Ogallo’s in their KPL opener against Mathare United on 28, September 2024 at Machakos stadium says he is disappointed by the injury, but hopes to return stronger.
“It is every player's dream to play a part in the big matches and I would have loved to face the indomitable Lions, but unfortunately the injury happened. I wish my teammates victory, and hope we grab the ticket to Morocco,” Austin said.
The creative midfielder who managed 12 goals and seven assists last left camp on Monday and is recovering, ahead of the busy season that has the 2026 World Cup and qualifiers and CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifications lined up. In Austin’s absence, Harambee stars head coach Engin Firat may be forced to use Duke Abuya and Boniface Muchiri for creativity and attacking roles, with Police FC midfielder Kenneth Muguna also out injured.
Former Harambee stars head coach Jacob Ghost Mulee says Austin’s creativity will be missed against the solid Cameroonian defence, but he believes the players in camp can equally do a good job. Austin is expected to return to light training on October 17, but may not be ready to play immediately.
The first leg of Kenya vs Cameroon is set for October 11, at the Japoma Sports Complex in Douala, followed by the return leg on Monday, 14th October in Uganda. Kenya and Cameroon are tied at four points at the top of Group J from two matches. Zimbabwe are second with two points while Namibia are bottom with zero points.
The top two sides book their ticket to the Morocco 2025 Afcon.