Top scorer Omalla snubbed again as Firat names Harambee Stars quad for Russia friendly

Benson Omalla celebrates with teammate afetr scoring for Gor Mahia during the Mashemeji Derby.[Stafford Ondego,Standard]

Mashemeji Derby hero Benson Omalla is missing out once again in the Harambee Stars squad set to play Russia in an international friendly match set for October 16.

The 2023-2024 FKF Premier League top scorer scored a brace on Saturday as Gor Mahia took the bragging rights of the 94^th Mashemeji Derby in a 2-0 victory over AFC Leopards to continue his goal scoring form this season.

The 21-year-old striker has scored six goals in the opening six matches, averaging a goal per game, a feat many thought would be fit a call up to the national fold but not for Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat.

Firat has instead opted to hand Gor Mahia defender Rooney Onyango his debut alongside England-based Vincent Harper who plays as a left back to Exeter City in League One.

AFC Leopards winger Clifton Miheso returns to the national fold alongside Tusker right back Daniel Sakari

Gor midfielder Alpha Onyango, Tusker custodian Brian Bwire and Chinese based winger Ayub Timbe were also name in the team that is expected to travel on Monday and have a week-long training camp in Turkey.

The biggest surprise was the inclusion of South African based winger Ovella Ochieng who has been missing from the national team for years.

Michael Olunga will once again lead the attack alongside Masoud Juma, Alfred Scriven, and Moses Shummah.

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, Bryne Odhiambo

Defenders

Joseph Stanley Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Erick Ouma, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, Amos Nondi

Midfielders

Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Ovella Ochieng

Forwards

Masoud Juma, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, Moses Shummah, Michael Olunga