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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Harambee Stars in Kigali ready to face Rwanda on Sunday

Football

By Washington Onyango | Sep 03, 2021

Harambee Stars players train at Nyayo national stadium in Nairobi on September 01, 2021 ahead of their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier Group E match against Uganda Cranes on September 02, 2021 at the same venue. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Harambee Stars are training in Kigali ahead of their second Group E World Cup qualifiers match against Rwanda to be played on Sunday.

The national football team jetted out of the country on Thursday night after playing out to a 0-0 draw against rivals Uganda Cranes at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

Before their departure, head coach Jacob Mulee has called on his players to put up a better show against Rwanda on Sunday.

“I am not happy with the display of the team. However, it is important to note that we have not played any friendly match since playing Togo in March and it was difficult to get the rhythm flowing,” Mulee said.

“On the front side, I am happy with the start especially with debutant Richard Odada who has proved he can play at a younger age. This team has a blend of youth and experience and am happy with the progress of this new Harambee Stars team.”

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Mulee, who insisted Michael Olunga is the national team captain and not Victor Wanyama said they are hoping for an improvement in Kigali.

“However, we have just started the journey to get to the World Cup next year. We started with a point and I expect improvement from the boys. Our main objective against Rwanda is to collect maximum points and keep tabs with Mali,” added Mulee.

Among the 23-member squad that jetted out of the country on Thursday night for Kigali include foreign-based players Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia) and Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden).

Meanwhile, Group E leaders Mali will play Uganda Cranes on Monday.

Harambee Stars Squad in Rwanda

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya).

Defenders

Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Eugene Asike (Tusker, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari, Kenya), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya).

Midfielders

Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Patillah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Enock Momanyi (FC Talanta, Kenya), Jackson Macharia (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden) Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya)

Forwards

Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Henry Meja (Tusker).