Boost for Kenya as five foreign based players join camp

Harambee Stars have been handed a boost ahead of their final 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double against Egypt and Togo following the arrival of a host of foreign-based players.

Talisman Michael Olunga who plies his trade with former Qatar champions Al-Duhail highlighted the list of international stars who trooped to the residential camp on Sunday.

Olunga who missed the last qualifier double against Comoros due to strict travel restrictions in Japan imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus arrived alongside Zambian-based Duke Abuya.

Abuya who turns for Nkana FC made his Stars debut in October 2019 an international friendly staged at the Kasarani Stadium against Mozambique which ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors. He returns to the team alongside Lusaka Dynamos defensive midfielder stalwart Duncan Otieno who was part of the Stars squad that clinched the 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge.

Other players who linked up with the local-based players are Cliff Nyakeya who was in a form of his own against Comoros and the preceding friendly against Zambia.

Nyakeya who is attached to Egypt’s FC Masr says he is looking forward to the two matches set on Thursday and on Monday.

“I can’t wait for the two matches. It is always an honor to put on the national team shirt,” he said.

Morocco-based forward Masud Juma is also in camp. The former Kariobangi Sharks man who features for Hassani El Jadidi was on target during the first leg match against Comoros.

International players who are yet to jet in include Simba’s central defender Joash Onyango, Zesco United shot-stopper Ian Otieno, Kaizer Chiefs Utility player Anthony Akumu and Sweden-based duo of Erick Ouma and Joseph Okumu.

Meanwhile, local-based players, who had been on duty for their respective clubs in the FKF Premier League, reported to camp on Sunday evening. The players were tested for Covid-19 as per the requirements.

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya)

Defenders

Joseph Okumu (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Nahashon Alembi (KCB, Kenya), Harun Mwale (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya)

Midfielders

Anthony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr, Egypt), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Kevin Simiyu (Nzoia Sugar, Kenya), Danson Chetambe (Bandari, Kenya), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), David Owino (KCB, Kenya), Kevin Kimani (Wazito, Kenya), 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), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards)