Wanyama, Olunga back as ‘Ghost’ Mulee names Harambee Stars squad

Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee promised Kenyans that he would include experienced players ahead of the qualifiers against Comoros. [Photo: Goal]

Newly appointed coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has named his provisional squad ahead of the scheduled two-legged Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Comoros next month (November).

Among those who have made it to the provisional squad is Finland based goalkeeper Arnold Origi, who will add a touch of experience to the team.

K’Ogalo’s (Gor Mahia) rookie forward Benson Omala and Sofapaka captain Elli Asieche have been included in the squad.

Mulee has also included former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama and J-League’s free-scoring machine Michael Olunga ahead of the crucial qualifier.

Belgium based Johanna Omollo, who missed out on the friendly match against Zambia, has also been included.

“Local-based players are expected to kick off non-residential training on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, while their foreign-based counterparts are set to start checking in on November 2, 2020. The team, then, shall have been trimmed to the final 20 that will do duty for Kenya.

“The first leg will be played at the MISC Kasarani on November 11, 2020, at 7 pm, under floodlights, while the second leg has been slated for November 15, 2020, away,” Football Kenya Federation (FKF) said in a statement on Sunday.

Harambee Stars players protest a red card during a past match against Ghana during their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Mulee’s squad

Goalkeepers

Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Defenders

Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito, Kenya), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya) Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka, Kenya), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United, Kenya)

Zambia's Godfrey Nawenya (left) and Captain Brian Mandela of Harambee Stars during a friendly match between at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, Oct 8, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Midfielders

Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkoping’s Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Antony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito, Kenya), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya) Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards, Kenya), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari, Kenya), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka, Kenya), Mathew Olake (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz, Kenya), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards, Kenya)

Forwards

Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya)

Reserves

Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito, Kenya), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United, Kenya)