Victor Wanyama was rested for DR Congo fixture

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama says that national coach Stanley Okumbi did not field him in Thursday’s international friendly match against Uganda to let new players see action at this level.

Wanyama on Friday said that despite Stars failing to win against their familiar neighbours at home, it was encouraging to see a new set of players expressing their capabilities in national colours.

The Tottenham Hotspur star was referring to players like Ulinzi Stars midfielder Samuel Onyango who made his debut for the national team, as well as Noah Wafula and Robinson Kamura who were handed rare starts in that game.

“To be honest I don’t understand how we ended up drawing with Uganda. I was so sure that we would win but that is football. Sometimes things happen that you didn’t anticipate.

“The coach felt that since we had two games, it was important to test players from the local league in this first game. I thought that was a good idea, and I was impressed with their performance. They did not disappoint and they showed that there can be growth within the team,” he said.

Regulars David Owino, David Ochieng and Boniface Oluoch were also not fielded against Uganda.

Cranes brought their reserve side to the match, with coach Milutin “Micho” Sredejovic only bringing with him eight of the 23 players who featured in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.  

In spite of this, Sredejovic boys were just as bright and inventive as the Stars, and created several scares for the Kenyan side.

China-based striker Michael Olunga, who was making his 23rd appearance for the national team, scored in the 35th minute .

Hassan Waiswa squeezed in an equalizer for Cranes in the 87th minute crowning a great debut at senior level.

Relieved that he had avoided defeat, Sredejovic stated after the game that he had accomplished his mission which was to widen the pool of national team players at his disposal. Kenya next play Democratic Republic of Congo tomorrow at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.