FKF breaks silence on duo’s expulsion from Harambee Stars, Babu’s absence

The Football Kenya Federation has revealed why Eric Johanna and Aboud Omar were released from the Harambee Stars camp.

The two experienced players were part of the final squad that was headed for the Four Nations competition in Malawi but could not travel.

After hours of speculation, the federation has now revealed exactly why the defender and the attacking midfielder were left behind.

"The duo were called up late to camp in place of Abud Omar and Eric Johanna, who were released on Thursday morning. The coach is handling the matter," FKF said.

In their places, Gor Mahia's Shariff Musa and Vincent Mahiga of AFC Leopards were called up instead.

"The arrival in camp of AFC Leopards left-back Vincent Mahiga and Gor Mahia winger Sharif Musa has boosted the Harambee Stars camp," the FA added.

Another issue that raised eyebrows was the absence of Rising Stars' head coach Salim Babu. The Kenya Police coach, who is handling the junior national sides, was left behind, which means he will not be in charge of the team in Malawi.

"In the meantime, Rising Stars coach Salim Babu could not travel with the team owing to a hitch in his travel documents. Consequently, his assistant, Anthony Akhulia, will serve as head coach for the team in the competition.

"This tournament holds significance as it aims to prepare both teams for their upcoming FIFA and CAF assignments," the statement added.

Harambee Stars' fixtures

The senior team will play Malawi in the semifinals of the competition on Saturday, March 24, 2024, at the Bingu National Stadium. The third-place playoff and finals have been scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the same venue.

The competition was organised to prepare for the participating teams for the upcoming international assignments.

"The Rising Stars, in the meantime, shall have a chance to showcase their potential in the competition. The team, which is scheduled to play even more international matches this year, is envisioned to be a conveyor belt of talent to the senior teams," FKF said in regard to the junior side that is already in Malawi.

Four-Nations senior teams fixtures

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Zambia vs Zimbabwe (Bingu National Stadium, 2 pm)

Malawi vs Kenya (Bingu National Stadium, 2 pm)

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Third place play-off | Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 2 | Bingu National Stadium, 2 pm

Final | Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 2 | Bingu National Stadium, 5 pm

Rising Stars Fixtures

Friday, March 22, 2024

Kenya vs Zimbabwe (Bingu National Stadium, 3 pm)

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Malawi vs Kenya (Bingu National Stadium, 3 pm)