Harambee Stars squad for Iraq, Thailand friendlies named

Clifton Miheso asserts that the forthcoming international friendlies against Iraq and Thailand will provide an ideal build-up for Kenya ahead of the forthcoming competitive assignment against Ghana.

The Zambian based winger is part of the 24-man released on Friday by Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi, for the games against the Asian opponents on October 5 and 8 respectively.

"These friendlies are helping us a great deal," the left footed winger, who is a regular at top flight side Buildcon explained.

"You know we need to train together and play a couple of matches, this will help us approach the match against Ghana with some confidence."

Kenya will face the West African giants in Nairobi in March in a must-win 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match.

Okumbi has omitted captain Victor Wanyama, Ayub Timbe and Brian Mandela from his squad. The squad however boasts of some big-name players including Spanish based forward Micheal Olunga and Zesco United's Jesse Were.

Kenya settled for a one-all draw with Mozambique in Maputo in the team's last friendly in August.

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers), Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia)

Defenders

Haron Shakava (Gor Mahia), Robinson Kamura (AFC Leopards), Simon Mbugua (Posta Rangers), David Owino (Zesco FC), Musa Mohammed (Gor Mahia), Jockins Atudo (Posta Rangers), Dennis Sikhayi (AFC Leopards), Abud Omar (Slava Sofia), Erick Ouma (Kolkheti Poti)

Midfielders

Anthony Akumu (Zesco FC), Ernest Wendo (Gor Mahia), Patilah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Kenneth Muguna, (Gor Mahia), Samuel Onyango (Ulinzi FC), Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars), Eric Johana Omondi (Vasalund’s FC), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker FC), Cliffton Miheso (Buildcon FC)

Strikers

John Mark Makwata (Buildcon FC), Masud Juma (Kariobangi Sharks), Jesse Jackson Were (Zesco FC), Michael Olunga (Girona FC)