A crackling night of futsal awaits as Kenya’s national team travels to Swakopmund to open their CAF Futsal AFCON 2026 qualifying campaign against Namibia. The first leg is set for Friday, 23 January 2026, with kick-off at 8:00 pm local time inside The Dome — a compact arena where every touch, tackle, and shot will echo loudly.
Match outlook
Kenya arrive determined to steal an away result that will tilt the tie in their favour. This two-legged showdown is the opening act in a short, high-stakes qualification series: a disciplined away performance could hand the Harambee Stars of futsal the momentum they need before the return leg. Namibia, buoyed by home support, will be equally hungry, promising a tense, fast-paced contest from the first whistle.
Build-up and preparations
The Kenyan squad assembled at Kasarani Indoor Arena on 16 January 2026, beginning an intense training block under the watchful eye of the technical staff. After final drills and tactical fine-tuning, the team flew out and touched down in Namibia on 21 January 2026, ready to acclimatize and sharpen their game plan ahead of Friday’s showdown.
Qualification pathway
Victory over Namibia would send Kenya into the second and decisive round, where Libya awaits across another two-legged tie. Those matches are pencilled in for 3 or 4 February and 7 or 8 February 2026, with the winners joining the elite field that will contest the Total Energies CAF Futsal AFCON in Morocco.
Road to Morocco
The qualifiers are compact and ruthless: 18 teams contest two rounds for seven available slots. Those seven successful nations will join hosts and defending champions Morocco at the continental finals, turning the AFCON into a showcase of Africa’s fastest, most skilful futsal talents.
Technical bench
James Omondi Head Coach
Joseph Mbugi Assistant Coach
Patrick Nyale Goalkeeper Trainer
James Masese Team Manager
Alfonce Onyango Kit Manager
Evanson Ngugi Team Physio
Bruce Juma Team Doctor
Suleiman Ngotho Strength and Conditioning Coach
Final squad
• Mike Ochieng
• Samwel Owiti
• Anas Hamad
• Shaban Mark
• Kevin Omondi
• Gift Mumo
• Kelvin Odongo
• Patrick Kaiser
• Mohammed Hassan
• Tony Kegode
• Salim Abdullahi
• Muthoni Newton
• Lewis Ng’ang’a
• Isaac Omweri
Kenya’s futsal side heads into Swakopmund with purpose and belief. On a night when margins will be razor-thin, discipline, creativity, and a cool finish under pressure could be the difference between a confident return home and a nervy second leg.
