In the road to Qatar 2022, Harambee stars coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee has named a 36-man provisional squad for the world cup qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda.
Kenya is placed under group E alongside Uganda, Mali and Rwanda and will need a strong squad in order to sail through ahead of their worthy opponents.
As Sweden-based Eric Johanna makes his return to the team, the other notable players pursuing their trade on foreign lands getting the call up include KAA Gent’s (Belgium) defender Joseph Okumu, Eric Ouma of AIK (Sweden), Al-Duhail’s (Qatar) Michael Olunga, and the Zambia-based trio of Ian Otieno, Duke Abuya, and Duncan Otieno.
In the set of locally-based players led by the current FKF Premier League top scorer Erick Kapaito, Lawrence Juma, Eugene Asike and Elvis Rupia among others also got the invites to the squad.
Debutants Frank Odhiambo (Under 23 Emerging Stars), Richard Odada, Enock Momanyi, and Siraj Mohammed are poised to be capped for the first time after they made to the squad.
“This is a strong group of players, we have a superb blend of experience, youth, ability, and personalities. This is a group of players who have what it takes to start well against Uganda and go all the way,” the Harambee Stars coach said as he expressed optimism in the talented group.
Surprising exclusions include former captain Victor Wanyama, midfielder Johanna Omollo, and defender Joash Onyango who all featured in the previous AFCON tournament held in Egypt.
Coach Mulee’s charges are scheduled to host Uganda at 3pm on September 2 this year at Nyayo stadium followed by a clash with Rwanda in Kigali the next day.
Players in the local league are expected to report for camp on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, while their foreign-based counterparts will start arriving from Monday, August 30, 2021.
By Michael Omondi
