Last season’s FKF Premier League golden glove winner James Saruni, Kariobangi Sharks defender Samuel Olwande and Gor Mahia FC’s youthful center back Frank Odhiambo are among the players that have been dropped from the Harambee Stars squad that departs on Monday evening for Morocco where they will Mali in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, October 7, 2021,10 pm at the Grande Stade d’Agadir.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks midfielder Phillip Mayaka has made it to the squad alongside Spain-based central midfielder Ismael Gonzalez. KMC goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo has also earned a place in the travelling party alongside David Owino ‘Calabar’ of Napsa Stars.
The Stars who are in group E of the qualifiers face an uphill task against the Eagles commonly known as the Les Aigles and have to pick at least a point on the road having dropped four in their previous qualifier matches. Then coached by Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, Harambee Stars drew 0-0 with Uganda at the Nyayo stadium before being held to a 1-1 draw by Rwanda in Kigali. Mali on the other hand beat Rwanda 1-0 on 1st of September before drawing 0-0 with Uganda to sit top of Group E with four points from two outings.
Here is Engin Firat’s travelling party to Morocco.
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Faruk Shikhalo
Defenders
Joseph Okumu, Joash Onyango, David Owino Odhiambo, Johnstone Omurwa, Eugene Asike, Daniel Sakari, David Owino Ambulu, Abud Omar, Eric Ouma, Bolton Omwenga.
Midfielders
Richard Odada, Lawrence Juma, Ismael Gonzalez, Kenneth Muguna, Duke Abuya, Boniface Muchiri, Eric Zakayo, Phillip Mayaka, Abdalla Hassan.
Forwards
Michael Olunga, Henry Meja, Eric Kapaito