Harambee Stars squad named: Wanga recalled ahead of friendly matches

Harambee Stars assistant coach Musa Otieno talks to his chargers during their AFCON Guinea Bissau at Nyayo Stadium on March 27, 2016. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Tusker forward Allan Wanga has been recalled to the national team Harambee Stars that will play two friendly matches against Mozambique and Liberia next week.

Wanga has been impressive since returning to the side in the second leg of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL).

He has scored four goals in 12 league matches. He also scored as Tusker beat Ulinzi Stars 1-0 to lift the GOtv shield on October 20.

Thika United coach James Nandwa hailed the recalling of Wanga whom he said has shown a lot of improvement since returning to Ruaraka.

“Wanga has improved a lot since he returned to the KPL as his performance has helped Tusker stay at the top. He deserves to be back in the team,” he said.

Nandwa who is also a former Harambee Stars coach said current coach Stanley Okumbi is enjoying the luxury of being able to try new players now and then and believes he is closer to getting his squad.

“I think that Okumbi has identified perhaps 15 or so players who are his core. The rest keep coming in and out. What is working for him is the fact that he attends most league matches and is able to see a good number of the players.

“Furthermore, he also talks to us coaches about our players and this is a big plus for him. This coupled with support from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will help the team to develop a lot,” said Nandwa.

Apart from Wanga, Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi has also recalled experienced goalkeeper Patrick Matasi as he seeks an able alternative to first choice Boniface Oluoch.

With Norway based Arnold Origi no longer considered for national team call-up, Boniface Oluoch of Gor Mahia has emerged as the first choice starting in the last six matches.

Tusker goalkeeper David Okello and James Saruni have not managed to dislodge the Gor Mahia custodian. The team:

Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars), David Okello (Tusker) and Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers).

Defenders:

Simon Mbugua, Jockins Atudo (Posta Rangers), Eric Ouma, Harun Shakava, Musa Mohamed (Gor Mahia), Bernard Ochieng’ (Vihiga United), Robinson Kamura and David Mwangi (Mathare United)

Midfielders:

Amos Nondi (Gor Mahia), Jaffery Owiti, Victor Majid (Chemelil Sugar), Kenneth Muguna, (Western Stima), Osborne Monday (Tusker), Eric Johanna (Mathare United), Lawrence Juma (Nzoia), Duncan Otieno (Posta Rangers), Morgen Otinya (Palos), Michael Misigo (Vihiga United) and Darious Msagaha (Bandari).

Strikers:

Mark Makwatta (Ulinzi Stars), Allan Wanga (Tusker) and Cavin Odongo (Posta Rangers).

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