World Cup qualifier: Eyes on Olunga as coach Firat names team to face Mali
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Oct 05, 2021
New Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat yesterday named his travelling squad for the upcoming 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Mali in Morocco on Thursday.
The Turkish tactician named a strong side which is led by Michael Olunga and the returning defensive trio of Joash Onyango, Abuod Omar and David ‘Calabar’ Owino.
Many fans will be putting their faith on Qatar based striker Olunga who has been in sizzling form for his club Al Duhail.
Earlier last month, Olunga scored five goals as a second half substitute to take his club to second in the log.
In the process, Olunga took his tally of the season to seven goals in two matches, a feat that sees him also top the top scorers’ chart of the Qatar League.
READ MORE
Doping: Let us remove the maize cob before champions step on it
It's down to prayers after Nairobi bids to host world athletics event
It's down to prayers after Nairobi bids to host world athletics event
Lecturers shock as PSC slashes university dons' retirement age by up to 15 years
Correction and clarification on the inauguration of Ngugi arts centre
Limuru's calling, as Ngugi wa Thiong'o Centre unveiled, Kombani launches book
PPB warns of falsified Cancer drug batch circulating in the market
Doctors set 90-day ultimatum for pay talks, warn of strike
Kenya, Italy adopt four-year cooperation plan after Ruto-Meloni talks
Kenya will also be looking for a first win in the qualifiers.
Due to lack of a standard Fifa approved stadium, Mali will host Harambee Stars at the 45,000 capacity Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco
Stars’ managed to draw 0-0 and 1-1 against Uganda and Rwanda. Infact, Olunga scored the goal against Rwanda in Kigali that handed Kenya a second point in the pool.
Olunga will not be alone up top as Firat has named last season’s FKF Premier League MVP and Golden Boot winner Erick Kapaito in the team alongside youthful striker Henry Mejja.
Experienced defenders Onyango and David ‘Calabar’ Owino have made the cut in the department that consists of Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Daniel Sakari, David Owino of KCB, Bolton Omwenga and FKF Premier League Defender of the Year Eugene Asike.
Tusker prodigy Eric Zakayo and US-based Philip Mayaka have also made the team.
Mayaka, who plays for USL Championship club Colorado Springs Switchbacks on loan from MLS side Colorado Rapids, said he will give his best on his debut.
“First, I thank God for the opportunity to play for the national team. My plan is to give my best and help the team win. I want to impress the coaches so to earn more call ups in future,” said Mayaka, formerly of St Anthony’s Boys Kitale.
FKF Premier League Golden Glove winner James Saruni has once again been overlooked after being dropped despite the form that saw him keep 12 clean sheets last season for his club Ulinzi Stars.
Kariobangi Sharks trio of Samuel Olwande, Patillah Omoto and Sydney Lokale have also been dropped alongside Gor Mahia youngster Frank Odhiambo, Wazito’s Musa Masika, KCB’s Reagan Otieno and Bandari’s Keegan Ndemi.
Kenya travelled to Morocco yesterday evening.