Cecafa tournament: Kimani named in Stars squad for Senior Challenge Cup

Harambee Stars' head Coach Francis Kimanzi at Moi International sports centre, Kasarani during the second 2021 Africa Nations Cup Qualifiers Group G match against Sparrow Hawks of Togo. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi has named a provisional squad of 26 players for the upcoming Cecafa Senior Challenge slated for December 7-19 in Uganda.

Former Bandari midfielder Anthony Wambani, who currently plies his trade with Swedish third-tier side Vasalunds IF, is the only foreign-based player included in the squad that reports to camp tomorrow.

Kenya will be seeking to reclaim the regional trophy they won in 2017 after beating Zanzibar Heroes 3-2 on post match penalties in Machakos.

Kimanzi has recalled Mathare United midfielder Kevin Kimani and handed the trio of Suleiman Ngotho (Posta Rangers), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars) and Western Stima’s teenager Benson Omala their maiden senior team call ups.

But conspicuously missing from the squad is current Kenyan Premier League top scorer Timothy Otieno (Tusker) and Gor Mahia’s midfield sensation Tobias Otieno.

Kenya have been drawn in Group C together with their newfound rivals Taifa Stars of Tanzania, Djibouti and Zanzibar.

Meanwhile, Kenyan international Eric Ouma has reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement to join Swedish top tie side AIK from IF Vasalunds.

Reports indicate, the former Gor Mahia left back has agreed a five-year contract that will see him join AIK in January 2020 for preseason.

Prior to his move to Vasalunds, the 23 year old defender featured for Georgian side Kolkheti Poti.