Harambee Stars coach gets chance to gauge CHAN squad against Malawi

Tusker Fc midfielder Emmanuel Ngama contents for the ball possession against Fredrick Shimonyo of Western Stima FC during their KPL match at Nyayo Stadium on August 9, 2015. [Photo/DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Harambee Stars take on the Flames of Malawi today in an international friendly match at Machakos Stadium.

Coach Stanley Okumbi is expected to use Kenya-based players in today’s match. This is part of preparations towards next year’s Africa Nations Champions (CHAN) to be held in Kenya. It will be the first time Okumbi will be testing his Chan squad in what is expected to become a monthly ritual.

Stars go into this match inspired by posting good results against Uganda Cranes and Congo. Kenya drew 1-1 against the Ugandans and defeated the Congolese 2-1, a win that pushed Kenya to 78th on the fifa rankings.

This is the highest ranking for Kenya since 2008 when they were ranked 68th. In the absence of some key players, Okumbi has been forced to call up new inclusions including Western Stima’s Fredrick Shimonyo, who is expected to lead the attack in his debut.

Shimonyo together with teammate Kennedy Agogo are among the new call ups. In the absence of Gor Mahia's Boniface Oluoch, James Saruni should start at goal. Collins Okumu, another new call up, is tipped to start at the back.

Okumbi also has other experienced players to pick from including Godfrey Kataka and Daniel Mwaura. Malawi are on a rebuilding mission after announcing they will not take part in the next year's Chan championships.

Elsewhere, the national under-13 youth championships entered the penultimate stage over the Easter Holidays. Branches selected All-star teams that will represent various regions in the upcoming national championships to be held this weekend in Nakuru.

The championships will be at Nakuru High School.

“We are happy with the championships so far,” said FKF CEO Robert Muthomi.