Rooney in as Firat names Harambee Stars squad for Russia friendly

Gor Mahia right back Rooney Onyango has deservedly landed his maiden Harambee Stars call-up after making the 23-man squad for the upcoming friendly match against Russia.

Onyango has been simply impressive since joining the record Kenyan champions before the current season began from United Arab Emirates side Elite Falcons.

His overlapping tendencies and solidity in defending caught the eye of coach Engin Firat who rewarded him with his first ever call-up to the national team.

Onyango is understandably set to fill the void left by Daniel Anyembe whose performances from the time he donned the national team shirt have been a joy to watch.

Anyembe, who turns out for Danish side Viborg wasn’t included in the team.

Stars to train in Turkey ahead of Russia friendly

Joining Onyango in making it to the first team is the England-based Vincent Harper. The left back is attached to Exeter City in League One.

Firat created room a number of returnees including AFC Leopards winger Clifton Miheso.

Other players returning to the team after missing the previous assignments include; Tusker right back Daniel Sakari who skipped the past engagements thanks to a groin injury.

Gor midfielder Apha Onyango, Tusker custodian Brian Bwire and Chinese based winger Ayub Timbe are also got slots in the team.

The biggest surprise was the inclusion of South African based winger Ovella Ochieng who has been missing from the national team for years after struggling to settle at club level.

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Firat named the team on Sunday for the game that is penciled for next Monday in Turkey.

The team is expected to travel on Monday, October 9, and have a week-long training camp in Turkey.

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, Bryne Odhiambo

Defenders

Joseph Stanley Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Erick Ouma, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, Amos Nondi

Midfielders

Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Ovella Ochieng

Forwards

Masoud Juma, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, Moses Shummah, Michael Olunga