Omission of Dennis Oliech from Harambee Stars squad raises eyebrows

Sebastian Migne left out the K’Ogalo forward after naming his 29-man squad to face Ghana in the last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match [Courtesy]

Gor Mahia striker Dennis Oliech has been omitted by Harambee Stars head coach Sebastian Migne after he named his provisional squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match against Ghana on Saturday, March 23.

Sebastian Migne left out the K’Ogalo forward after naming his 29-man squad to face Ghana in the last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match later this month in Kumasi, Ghana.

The Frenchman is not yet convinced with Oliech’s performance saying earlier that the K’Ogalo striker should prove himself by scoring goals.

“It is important for Oliech to prove himself by scoring for his club, not just penalty shootouts. He must show his quality,” Migne said.

Despite the omission, the Frenchman asserted earlier that the doors are open for return of the striker to the national squad if he proves his goal scoring prowess.

“I have also watched him for some time and I think he has to improve in front of the goal. “It’s not a matter of scoring penalties. But that doesn’t mean we have slammed the door on him. He is welcome to the team as he is an experienced player,” Migne said.

“I would like to discuss his mentality; if he is ready to come back not necessarily as a captain or as a first team player, but maybe as a simple player in the group to give his best in terms of experience and be a good teacher to the youth.

“Only he has the answer to that,” Migne added.

Oliech, who is Kenya’s all-time top scorer, completed his move to Gor Mahia on January 2, 2019 after pulling out of retirement.

The former Stars skipper has been used as a substitute in a couple of matches by his new club netting four goals for the new club [Courtesy]

The omission of Oliech has raised controversy among football stakeholders who believe that Oliech was eligible for selection following his current form.

The former Stars skipper has been used as a substitute in a couple of matches by his new club netting four goals for the new club.

Migne, however, included Oliech’s counterpart striker Nicholas Kipkirui and teammates Francis Kahata, Joash Onyango and Philemon Otieno in the squad.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi (St Georges, Ethiopia), Farouk Shikalo (Bandari), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders

Erick Ouma (Vasalund, Sweden), Musa Mohammed (Nkana FC, Zambia), David Owino (Zesco, Zambia), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg, South Africa), David Sessay (Crawley Town, England), Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Benard Ochieng (Vihiga United, Kenya), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia, Kenya)

Midfielders

Erick Johanna (IF Brommapojkarna, Sweden), Johanna Omollo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ismael Gonzales (UD Las Palmas B, Spain), Paul Were (Trikala, Greece), Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspurs, England), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Christopher Tangen Mbamba (Oskarshamns, Sweden), Dennis Odhiambo (Sofapaka, Kenya), Anthony Akumu (Zesco, Zambia)

Forwards

Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Duke Abuya (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Cliff Nyakeya (Mathare United, Kenya), Masud Juma (Al Nasr, Libya)

Reserve Players

Abdallah Hassan (Bandari FC, Kenya), Allan Wanga (Kakamega HomeBoyz, Kenya), Nicholas Kipkirui (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Roy Okal (Mathare United, Kenya), Cliffton Miheso (Club Olimpico Montijo, Portugal)