Saruni dropped as Firat names Harambee Stars squad to play Mali

Harambee Stars Goalkeeper James Saruni during training as they prepare for the upcoming back to back 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Mali at Utalii College Sports Club on Friday, October 1, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

New Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has named his final travelling squad for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Mali on Thursday. 

FKF Premier League Golden Glove winner James Saruni has once again been overlooked after being dropped despite his form in goal 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.

Experienced defenders Joash 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.

Firat has also tapped into the international experience of skipper Michael Olunga and Spain-based Ismael Gonzalez and Serbia-based Richard Odada. 

Tusker prodigy Eric Zakayo and US-based Philip Mayaka have also made the team.

Kenya will travel to Morocco on Monday evening where they will be hosted by the West African nation in the group's third match.

Due to the lack of a standard Fifa approved stadium, Mali will host Harambee Stars at the 45,000 capacity Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco.

Harambee Stars Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo

Defenders 

Jospeh Okumu, Joash Onyango, David Owino Odhiambo, Johnstone Omurwa, Eugene Asike, Daniel Sakari, David Owino Ambulu, Abud Omar, Erick Ouma, Bolton Omwenga

Midfielders

Richard Odada, Lawrence Juma, Ismael Gonzalez, Kenneth Muguna, Duke Abuya, Boniface Muchiri, Eric Zakayo, Phillip Mayaka, Abdallah Hassan

Forwards

Michael Olunga, Henry Meja, Eric Kapaito