Kenya’s reprieve as Malawi lose five players

As Kenya ponders over who will lead the national soccer team attack in the forth coming internationals with the absence of captain Dennis Oliech, Harambee Stars opponents are also not having a good time either.

Malawi, who Kenya host on June 2 in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, will be missing the services of their inspirational captain, Peter Mponda, and four other players due to injury.

Togo, who host Kenya in the second leg preliminary round of the qualifiers to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations on June 17, will also have to play without former skipper Emmanuel Adebayor, who has opted out of the squad.

According to BBC reports from Malawi, Mponda and midfielder Tawonga Chimodzi will remain with their South African club Santos, who are battling relegation from the top flight.

Midfielder Robert Ng’ambi is ill while defenders Harry Nyirenda and Elvis Kafoteka are out injured.

Coach Kinnah Phiri also has injury doubts over striker Chiukepo Msowoya.

Pull off a surprise

“I travelled to China two weeks ago with a squad of local players, who did not disappoint – and I have all the confidence that they will pull off a surprise in Kenya,” he told BBC.

Malawi will be headed to Tanzania for two build-up friendly matches before crossing into Kenya for the international clash.

“The two friendlies in Tanzania will give me a good assessment of the team and provide and insight into how East African teams play,” added Phiri.