Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla has finally been drafted into the Harambee Stars provisional squad ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Today, Omalla was drafted in the 28-man squad by head coach Engin Firat ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles later in the month.
“You can be a superstar in Kenya but that is not enough to qualify you as a national team player. All local-based players getting a call-up to the national team must bring their style of play to the international level,” said Firat.
“Omalla must be able to change his style and play the way Olunga does. If he fails to do so, then he’ll always find himself struggling on the international stage.”
The Turkish gaffer also called up Eric Johana for the first time since taking over as head coach but also handed debut call-ups to three other players.
Kenya are in Group F of the qualifiers alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Burundi, and Seychelles.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Ian Otieno (Zesco), Joseph Ochuka (Bandari); Defenders: Nabi Kibunguchy (Orlando City), Hanif Wesonga (KCB), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Geoffrey Ochieng (Gor Mahia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Eric Ouma (AIK), Joseph Okumu (Reims), Johnstone Omurwa (CF Estrela), Amos Nondi (Ararat); Midfielders: Duncan Otieno (Gaborone United), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Duke Abuya (Singida), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Eric Balecho (Murang’a Seal), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Eric Johanna (UTA ARAD), Richard Odada (Aalborg), Alfred Scriven (Hodd), Timothy Ouma (Elfsborg); Forwards: Masud Juma (Al Faisaly), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia)