The Kenya national futsal team has departed for Windhoek, carrying the hopes of a nation as they kick off their AFCON 2026 qualification campaign against Namibia. Head coach James Omondi has named a 14-man squad tasked with securing a first-leg advantage this Friday, January 23.

This is not just a game; it is Kenya's bid to join the continental elite. The winner of this two-legged tie will advance to the final qualifying round, inching closer to the showpiece event in Morocco. The "So What?" is the growth of the indoor game: a qualification here would legitimize futsal as a serious sport in a country obsessed with outdoor football.

The Squad

Coach Omondi has blended youth with experience. The travelling party includes key pivots and flankers who have impressed in the local league.

• The Fixture: The first leg plays out in Namibia on Friday, with the decisive return leg scheduled for Nairobi on January 28.
• The Pathway: Victory over Namibia sets up a likely clash with Libya or another heavyweight in the second round.

Mission Possible

"We are not going as tourists," Omondi told reporters at JKIA. "We have studied Namibia, and we know we can hurt them."

As the team lands in Windhoek, the pressure is on. For a sport still finding its footing in Kenya, the boys in the tricolor jerseys need to deliver a statement performance. The road to Morocco starts now.