Why SPL coaches want Allan Wanga in the Harambee Stars' AFCON squad

Allan Wanga (right) of Kakamega Homeboyz dribbles the ball past Ulinzi Stars players during their SportPesa Premier League Match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on January 27, 2019. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kakamega Homeboyz coach Nicholas Muyoti feels joint- leading SportPesa Premier League goalscorer Allan Wanga deserves a chance in the final Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming 2019 African Cup of Nations finals slated for June 21-July 19 in Egypt.

The experienced striker has been a revelation for Homeboyz this season scoring 15 goals to help the Kakamega-based club climb to fourth place in the league table. 

While Wanga is currently tied on goals with Ulinzi Stars forward Enosh Ochieng, one more than Sofapaka's Umaru Kasumba (14), Homeboyz remains unbeaten in their last nine matches. They welcome Tusker at Bukhungu Stadium today.

But the former AFC Leopards and Tusker talisman, who was unused substitute during Kenya's 1-0 defeat away to Ghana in their final group F qualifying fixture last month, faces stiff competition from Japan-based goal poacher Michael Olunga and Masoud Omar of Libyan side Al Nasr. 

However, as the national team prepares to go for a three-week training camp in Paris, France on May 31 before flying out to Cairo on June 18 for their group C matches, Muyoti believes his captain is well equipped for the continental showpiece.

"I think if Wanga will not be in the final Harambee Stars' Afcon squad,  then we won't be knowing what we are doing as a country. One very important thing about Wanga is his discipline both on and off the pitch," Muyoti told The Standard Sports.

"His work ethics is perfect and I think if he doesn't make it to Cairo, this will be an injustice to the Kenyan football and we will not be talking about the game. This is our top scorer in the country, he's been scoring goals at will and inspiring the team. So, why should you lock him out?"

And just like Muyoti, AFC Leopards coach Casa Mbungo also feels his red-hot attacking Whyvonne Isuza deserves a chance with the national team. The former Mathare United man has been instrumental in Leopards' revival, scoring five goals in their last six matches.

"Without doubt, Isuza is one of the best performers in the league right now. He is in the form of his life. His goals and work rate are there for everyone to see. I honestly think he deserves to be in the national team," said Mbungo.

Asked about Homeboyz's targets, Muyoti who has only lost one of their twelve matches since replacing Ugandan coach Paul Nkata on February 19, said "I want to thank God for everything. I'm so far very happy with the way we are working with my team. We are in great form and every player is giving his best to get points either at home or away.

"I believe we are focused and everyone knows what he is supposed to do. I just want to stick to our top five finish targets, but if any better position comes beyond that I will still pleased."

SPL Top scorers' chart
Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz)-15
Enosh Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)-15
Umaru Kasumba (Sofapaka)-14
Cliff Nyakeya (Mathare United)-9
Derrick Otanga (Sony Sugar)-8
Yemi Mwana (Bandari)-7
Whyvonne Isuzza (AFC Leopards)-7
Nicholas Kipkirui (Gor Mahia)-7
Enock Agwanda (Sony Sugar)-7

Today's SPL matches
Nzoia Sugar v AFC Leopards-Bukhungu Stadium (1 pm)
Chemelil Sugar v Kariobangi Sharks-Awasi (1 pm)
Sony Sugar v Vihiga United-Awendo (1 pm)
Mt Kenya United v Western Stima (2 pm)
Mathare United v Zoo-Kasarani (3 pm)
Kakamega Homeboyz v Tusker (3.15pm)
Sofapaka v Posta Rangers-Machakos (4.15pm)

Tomorrow
Gor Mahia v KCB-Kisumu (3 pm)
Bandari v Ulinzi Stars-Mbaraki (3 pm)