Gor Mahia's Benson Omalla celebrates after scoring a goal against Posta Rangers during FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium. April 16, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla has been left out as Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat named his provisional squad ahead of next month's FIFA International Friendlies.
Omalla scored a whopping 26 goals to finish behind Kenya Police's Elvis Rupia in the Golden Boot race last season in the FKF Premier League. Rupia who is in the squad netted 27 goals.
The Gor Mahia striker kicked off the 2023-2024 FKF Premier League season last season with a goal as K'Ogalo drew 1-1 with Sofapaka.
His exemption is expected to elicit mixed reactions as captain Michael Olunga leads a foreign contingent of players including Masud Juma in Saudi Arabia, Ian Otieno in Zambia, Joseph Okumu in France, Brian Mandela in South Africa, Johnstone Omurwa in Portugal, Eric Ouma in Sweden, Amos Nondi in Armenia, Richard Odada in Denmark, and Teddy Akumu in Japan. Ayub Timbe (C) of Kenya outpaces Adlane Guedioura (L) and Youcef Atal of Algeria during their 32th Edition of Total Africa Cup of Nations at 30 June stadium in Cairo, Egypt on June 23, 2019. [Stafford Ondego,Standard]
One notable reappearance is Ayub Timbe currently in China. Timbe will be making a return to the national fold after more than two years out.
A total of seven local-based players have been called up to the national set-up; four of them are from Kenya Police FC, with Kakamega Homeboyz, KCB, and Bandari each producing a player.
Olunga leads the forward line that consists of Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Rupia (Kenya Police), and Masud Juma (Al-Jabalian, Saudi Arabia)
Harambee Stars Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC)
Defenders
Collins Shichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police)
Midfielders
Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Abdallah Hasan (Bandari), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hodd, Norway)
Forwards
Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Al-Jabalian, Saudi Arabia)
