Kenyan players abroad face league disruption as US-Iran conflict intensifies
By Luke Oluoch, March 4, 2026The escalating US-Israel joint military operation against Iran, which began on Friday, February 28, 2026, has disrupted football leagues across the Middle East and directly affected several Kenyan international players based in the region.
Harambee Stars trio playing for Nejmeh SC in Lebanon’s Premier League—midfielders Anthony Akumu and Austine Odhiambo and Masoud Juma—are among those impacted by the volatile situation.
On Monday, March 2, 2026, the Lebanese Football Association postponed all league matches until further notice due to the deteriorating security amid regional hostilities.
Postponed
A statement from Nejmeh SC communicated the federation’s decision:
“Due to the current situation, the Lebanese Federation announces the postponement of all matches of this week until further notice,” part of the club’s statement read.
Moraa’s ordeal
The situation differs for Harambee Starlets striker Janet Moraa Bundi, who plays for FC Beitar Jerusalem in Israel’s Division Two League. In an interview with a local publication, she described a terrifying ordeal involving missile strikes near her team hotel in Jerusalem starting Saturday, March 1, 2026.
“It started on Saturday at 8 am. I was still asleep when a warning alert louder than my usual phone alarm went off, followed immediately by the building alarm. I was really scared,” she told a local publication.
Bundi has reportedly been holed up in her hotel, taking cover during alerts, sirens, and explosions, highlighting the direct risks to players in Israel amid Iranian retaliatory missile attacks on the region.
Harambee Stars captain and talisman Michael Olunga, who plays for Al Arabi in Qatar’s Stars League (QSL), has also been affected. On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Qatar Football Association indefinitely postponed all tournaments, competitions, and matches, effective immediately, to prioritise safety.
The QFA statement
“The Qatar Football Association announces the postponement of all tournaments, competitions, and all matches in the country, effective today and until further notice.
The conflict stems from the United States and Israel launching coordinated airstrikes on Iran starting late February 28 into March 1, 2026, targeting military sites.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on US bases, Israeli targets, and locations in Gulf countries, including Qatar, the UAE, and others, triggering widespread security alerts and the suspension of sports events.
If the conflict extends beyond March 27, 2026, it will affect the upcoming FIFA Series, where Harambee Stars is lined up for several matches in Kigali, Rwanda.
Kenya is expected to open their campaign against Estonia on March 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Amahoro Stadium.
Harambee Stars’ second match in the mini-tournament will depend on the outcome of the other opening fixture between Rwanda and Grenada.