England-based duo dropped as Emerging Stars depart for Mauritius

Emerging Stars coach Francis Kimanzi gives instructions from the touchline during their Africa Under 23 Cup of Nations/ Olympics qualifier against Mauritius Under 23 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on November 14, 2018. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • While Ayunga did not feature in the 5-0 thrashing of Mauritius in the first leg match on Wednesday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Ochieng was a second half substitute replacing Pistone Mutamba on 63 minutes

  • The aggregate winner faces either Seychelles or Sudan in the second round March next year

  • The two had been summoned for the first time to be assessed by Migne for future senior team assignments

England-based duo of striker Jonah Ayunga and midfielder Henry Ochieng’ have been dropped from the Kenya Under-23 squad that left for Mauritius on Friday for the reverse fixture of the 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations/2020 Olympic Games first round qualifier.

A team of 19 players led by Harambee Stars Coach Sebastien Migne and his assistant Francis Kimanzi, departed for Port Louis aboard Kenya Airways seeking to seal qualification to the second round of the age-restricted tourney in Sunday's return leg at Anjalay stadium in Belle Vue.

The aggregate winner faces either Seychelles or Sudan in the second round March next year.  

The two had been tipped by the U23 coach Kimanzi to start in Sunday's game.

“Not that they are not any good but we had to build a foundation and thereafter, everyone will come on board,” said Kimanzi.

“We are fully focused on getting another positive result on Sunday,” added the Harambee Stars assistant coach.

Ayunga turns out for Sutton United with Ochieng playing for Braintree Town, both clubs in the English fifth tier.

The two had been summoned for the first time to be assessed by Migne for future senior team assignments.

The travelling team has Georgia-based midfielder Alwyn Tera among three foreign based players.

TRAVELLLING SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Timothy Odhiambo, Brian Bwire

Defenders: Mike Kibwage, Lennox Ogutu, Johnstone Omurwa, David Owino, Yusuf Mainge, Joseph Okumu

Midfielders: Teddy Osok, Tobias Otieno, Ibrahim Shambi, Abdalla Ahmed, Chrispinus Onyango, James Mazembe, Alwyn Tera

Strikers: Pistone Mutamba, Ovella Ochieng, Jafari Owiti, Sydney Lokale

COACH: Francis Kimanzi ASSISTANT COACH: John Kamau