Kenya’s Harambee Stars have failed to board the plane for Mauritius to take part in the Four-Nation tournament set to kick off on June 11 to 18.

Africa Top Sports can exclusively reveal, that the national team, who were due to leave for the Island nation on Saturday, did not take off as earlier scheduled due to lack of flights.

FKF President Nick Mwendwa confirmed the team had missed out on their flight and they will travel on Monday, meaning they will not play their first match against Djibouti.

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“We have failed to hit the runway because of Kenya Airways’ mistakes, they rescheduled our flight at the eleventh hour meaning we will now travel on Monday,” Mwendwa told Africa Top Sports.

“We will now play two matches, and for me, I think it is okay.”

Apart from Djibouti, other teams lined up for the tournament include Pakistan and host Mauritius. On Saturday, Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat confirmed defender Joseph Okumu and Masoud Juma, had been ruled out due to injuries but maintained their absence will be an opportunity for others to step up and gain valuable national team experience.

“Losing experienced players does have an impact on the team, but we must move forward and give other players the chance to bring something different to the team,” said Firat.

Meanwhile, captain Michael Olunga emphasised the significance of the tournament, stating: “The Four-nations tournament in Mauritius is a different assignment, and we want to use it as a buildup and preparation for the World Cup and Afcon qualifiers, which will start at the end of the year.”

Collins Shichenje, Kenneth Muguna, and Daniel Anyembe are expected to join the rest of the team in Mauritius.