Harambee Stars coach Kimanzi calls local players ahead of Comoros match

Harambee Stars' head Coach Francis Kimanzi at Moi International sports centre, Kasarani during the second 2021 Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers Group G match against Sparrow Hawks of Togo. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi has called up 16 local-based players for two open camps ahead of their qualifying match against Comoros.

The players are expected to camp on March 9 and 10 before resuming camp on March 16 and 17 at Nyayo Stadium.

Kimanzi is expected to name foreign-based players who will join the boys at camp, with fears that Kenya may lack the services of experienced players who ply their trade in the foreign leagues due to coronavirus travel bans imposed.

With a possible absence of china based striker Michael Olunga because of the travel ban, Kimanzi has called into camp AFC forward Elvis Rupia to poach goals for the national side.

Collins Shicheje will join his fellow club mate Rupia as one of the debutants on the national team together with KCB’s Baraka Badi and Wazito’s midfielder Brian Musa.

Kariobangi sharks goalkeeper Brian Bwire has been called into the side after missing the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup last year due to injury and he will be fighting for playing time with Tusker’s goalkeeper Robert Mboya who has been named.

Harambee Stars will be playing at home against their group G leaders Comoros on March 25, before travelling for the away match four days later.

Kenya is in Group G of the AFCON qualifiers alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Comoros and Togo who are the last in the group.

Goalkeepers

Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), Robert Mboya (Tusker)

Defenders

Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Eugene Asike (Tusker), Baraka Badi (KCB), Sammy Mejja (Tusker), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks), David Owino (Mathare United)

Midfielders

Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Michael Mutinda (KCB), Brian Musa (Wazito), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia)

Forwards

Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Timothy Otieno (Tusker)