Captain's parting shot

By Gilbert Wandera

Harambee Stars captain Dennis Oliech has admitted that Angola will have an upper hand when the two sides meet this weekend in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Luanda.

The team left the country on Tuesday morning ahead of the Sunday fixture.

Speaking a few hours after jetting into the country, Oliech said a home ground advantage and a desire to avenge the 2-1 loss registered against Angola in the match would push their opponents.

"It will be a tough match for us because Angola have an upper hand by virtue of their home ground advantage and the fact that for them just like us it’s a crucial fixture," he said.

Inter-Milan midfielder Macdonald Mariga has been included in the squad though he is not eligible to play owing to a one-match suspension he is serving.

"Mariga’s presence will be a big boost to the team. The coach asked him to be available and he accepted and we are all happy about his gesture," said Stars manager Edward Oduor.

The Milan midfielder is expected to link up with Stars on Friday as he failed to arrive in Nairobi on Monday morning as expected.

Karuturi Sports goalkeeper Noah Ayuko was the surprise exclusion from the final team announced by coach Zedekiah Otieno on Monday evening.

Gor Mahia goalkeeper Jerim Onyango and Tusker’s Boniface Oluoch will fight it out for the starting position in goal as they made the squad expecting to fill up the big shoes of injured first choice goalkeeper Arnold Origi.

Simba midfielder Jerry Santos was a last minute call-up to the team and together with Allan Wanga (Vietnam), Patrick Oboya (Trinec-Czech) linked up with Stars hours before departure.

In Angola, Marco Airosa has returned to the Angolan squad to face Kenya this weekend in Luanda. Midfielder Tiquinho is also back in the team announced by coach Lito Vidiga.

Tiquinho who plays for Alzira in Spain’s makes it back after an 18-month absence.

The Palancas Negras pitched camp for two weeks in Portugal and just like Stars did not play any meaningful build-up match after the last-minute cancellation of their scheduled friendly with Real Madrid in Luanda.