Williamson calls up 15 local players for Zambia tie
What you need to know:
- The 15 will link up with the foreign legion completing the 30-man list of call ups for the crucial tie against Chipolopolo in Nairobi on September 6.
- On-form K'Ogalo striker Michael Olunga, who has scored 15 league goals and league’s top scorer Jesse Were (19), will also be aiming to make their mark as they fight for a place up front alongside Azam’s Allan Wanga and veteran forward Dennis Oliech
Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson has called up 15 locally based players for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia.
The 15 will link up with the foreign legion completing the 30-man list of call ups for the crucial tie against Chipolopolo in Nairobi on September 6.
Stars top Group “E” that also includes 2015 Afcon quarter finalists Congo and Guinea Bissau by virtue of an away goal when they drew 1-1 with Congo in June.
There are no major surprises in Williamson’s list that was released on Tuesday. The usual suspects will battle for the 11 starting positions with their foreign based counterparts.
However, the only major omissions from the squad that did duty against Ethiopia in the African Nation Championship (Chan) qualifier against Ethiopia are Gor Mahia midfielder Ali Abondo and Tusker winger Kevin Kimani.
Boniface Oluoch (Gor), Wycliffe Kasaya (Nakumatt) and upcoming custodian Ian Otieno (Posta Rangers) will battle Norwegian-based shot stopper Arnold Origi for the goalkeepers’ position.
In defence, Harun Shakava (Gor), Edwin Wafula (AFC Leopards), Dennis Odhiambo and Sammy Mejja (both Thika United) will join David ‘Calabar’ Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng (unattached) and Lawrence Olum (Kedah FA, Malaysia) in fighting for the back four positions.
Gor’s holding midfielder Collins ‘Gattuso’ Okoth, Bernard Mang’oli (Leopards), Humphrey Mieno, Danson Kago (both Tusker) and Mathare United’s playmaker Eric Johanna are also in the squad.
On-form K'Ogalo striker Michael Olunga, who has scored 15 league goals and league’s top scorer Jesse Were (19), will also be aiming to make their mark as they fight for a place up front alongside Azam’s Allan Wanga and veteran forward Dennis Oliech, who alongside MacDonald Mariga were the shock call ups among the foreign based players.
LOCAL BASED
Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), Wycliffe Kasaya (Nakumatt), Ian Otieno (Posta Rangers).
Defenders: Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia), Edwin Wafula (AFC Leopards), Dennis Odhiambo (Thika United), Sammy Mejja (Thika United).
Midfielders: Collins Okoth (Gor Mahia), Bernard Mang’oli (AFC Leopards), Humphrey Mieno (Tusker), Noah Wafula (Tusker), Johana Otieno (Mathare United), Danson Kago (Tusker).
Strikers: Jesse Were (Tusker), Michael Olunga (Gor Mahia).
FOREIGN BASED
Arnold Origi (Lillestrom, Norway), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg United, South Africa), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), David Ochieng (unattached), Lawrence Olum (Kedah FA, Malaysia), Macdonald Mariga (unattached), Paul Were (unattached), Ayub Timbe (SK Lierse ,Belgium), Clifton Miheso (VPS FC, Finland), Anthony Akumu (Al Khartoum, Sudan), Victor Wanyama (Southampton FC, England), Johanna Omollo (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium), Dennis Oliech (unattached), Jacob Kelli (Nkana FC, Zambia), Allan Wanga( Azam FC, Tanzania).
