Aboud Omar, Eric Johana axed from Harambee Stars squad after brawl

Harambee Stars duo of Aboud Omar and Eric Johana Omondi were notably absent as the national team embarked on their journey to Malawi early Thursday morning for a highly anticipated Four Nations Tournament.

The absence of these key players stems from an unsettling discord within the team, leading to their last-minute exclusion from the squad.

According to Mozzart Sport, the disruption originated from a heated exchange between Kenya Police defender Aboud Omar and Romanian-based forward Eric Johana.

 "The altercation escalated quickly, with Johana losing his composure and Omar visibly enraged," a source revealed. 

Attempts by the coaching staff and team members to defuse the situation proved futile, culminating in a decisive action by the team's management.

Football Kenya Federation has yet to formally address the incident; however, the decision to drop the players was reportedly made by coach Engin Firat.

In response to the void left by the duo, the team called upon Vincent Mahiga of AFC Leopards to fill Omar's position, while Shariff Musa from Gor Mahia was also enlisted and joined the team's later departure.

Adding to the team dynamics, Gor Mahia captain Geoffrey Simiti Onyango was a late addition, stepping in for the injured Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.

Simiti, alongside the new call-ups, made the trip with the team, signaling a quick pivot to focus on the upcoming challenges in Malawi.

The squad reshuffle also saw the exclusion of several players from the provisional team, including Bandari’s David Sakwa and Murang’a Seal’s Bonphas Munyasa, as the Harambee Stars fine-tune their lineup for the tournament.

Kicking off their campaign against the host nation, the Malawi Flames, on Saturday, March 23, the Harambee Stars aim to recalibrate and present a united front. 

With subsequent matches against either Zimbabwe or Zambia on Tuesday, March 26, the Engin Firat's charges look to navigate past the internal strife and showcase their prowess on the international stage.

Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Byrne Omondi, Patrick Matasi

Defenders: Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje,Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Geoffrey Ochieng

Midfielders: Chrispine Erambo, Richard Odada,Kenneth Muguna, Kaycie Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Anthony Akumu

Forwards: Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, John Avire

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