Harambee Stars Trio Stranded in War-Hit Lebanon Set to Return Home on Sunday

Fear and uncertainty have surrounded three Kenyan footballers playing in Lebanon after renewed conflict in the Middle East left them stuck in a region rocked by explosions.

Anthony Akumu, Austin Odhiambo and striker Masoud Juma, all members of the Kenya national football team, are currently on the books of Lebanese Premier League club Nejmeh SC. The trio is now expected to travel back to Kenya on Sunday after their club granted them permission to leave the country for their safety.

The Kenyan internationals have spent several tense days in Beirut after a series of explosions were reported near the city following military strikes in the wider region. With the security situation deteriorating, football activities in Lebanon have been halted indefinitely as authorities assess the risk posed by the escalating conflict.

Akumu later opened up about the frightening ordeal, explaining that the situation began to unfold on Saturday when their team travelled toward southern Beirut for a league fixture scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m.

Sudden chaos before kick-off

According to Akumu, the day had started normally, much like any other match day. The squad woke up early and held a routine briefing with the coaching staff before returning to their hotel rooms to relax and prepare mentally for the evening game.

However, the calm atmosphere quickly turned into panic just hours before the scheduled kick-off.

Akumu recalled that someone knocked urgently on his hotel room door, informing the players that they had to pack their belongings immediately because the team needed to leave the area without delay.

Their accommodation was located only a short distance from the Israeli border, and with tensions rising rapidly, the club decided to evacuate the squad and move them back to Beirut as a precaution.

Roughly an hour later, the team had arrived safely in the capital city, but the anxiety did not fade.

While resting in his room, Akumu said he heard several powerful blasts in the distance, sounds that shook the surroundings and heightened fears among the Kenyan players about their safety.

Concerned about the deteriorating situation, the trio — Akumu, Juma and Odhiambo — quickly approached their club officials and requested assistance in arranging travel back to Kenya.

They spent much of Sunday searching for available flights out of the country, but none could be secured immediately, forcing them to remain in the tense environment for another day.

The following day, the players met with the club’s senior management to explain the level of risk they felt they were facing. After listening to their concerns, the club eventually agreed that returning home temporarily would be the safest option until the situation stabilizes.

Even after the decision was made, flight options remained scarce. The earliest route they managed to secure will see them travel through Egypt on Sunday before finally heading back to Kenya.

For the three footballers, the priority now is simply reaching home safely and reuniting with their families after several days filled with worry and uncertainty. They have indicated that they will only consider returning to Lebanon once peace and stability return to the region.