Kenya Police FC defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng is among the players dropped by Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat for their friendly against Qatar on Thursday.
Firat had been categorical about the fitness level of local-based players owing to the fact that they had not been active for a while with Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo, who was a late call-up to the team also being dropped. Others who won’t travel to Qatar include Bandari FC winger Abdallah Hassan and debutant Stanley Wilson of Kariobangi Sharks.
Kakamega Homeboyz’ Moses Shummah makes the cut and will be joined by Patrick Matasi, Bryne Odhiambo, Abud Omar, and Kenneth Muguna as the only local-based players on the team. The returning Clarke Oduor makes the cut so is Norway-based striker Alfred Scriven and Daniel Anyembe who will all be hoping to get more playing time with the team.
Read Also: Firat defends squad selection for Kenya clash against Qatar
Stars will leave for Doha on Wednesday, September 6, at 1:25 a.m. and will have a feel of the field of play later in the afternoon ahead of their match on Thursday. The team will head back to Kenya on Friday, September 8, to continue preparations for their match against South Sudan on Tuesday, September 12.
Travelling squad; Goalkeepers; Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Byrne Odhiambo (KCB), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police FC).
Defenders; Collins Sichenje (AIK, Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims, France), Brian Mandela (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg, Denmark), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police).
Midfielders; Richard Odada (AaB, Denmark), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu, Japan), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Timothy Ouma (IF Elfsborg, Sweden), Duke Abuya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Ayub Masika (Nanjing City Football Club, China), Alfred Scriven (IL Hødd, Norway), Clarke Oduor (Bradford City AFC, England).
Forwards; Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), and Masud Juma (Al Jabalain, Saudi Arabia).