By MAXIMILIAN OMONDI.
The new Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has named a 34-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers(CAF). The team will face Mali away in Morocco in October 7 before traveling back for the home match on October 10, 2021. Kenya is currently second in Group E standings with two points, two points behind group leaders Mali, after draws with Uganda and Rwanda in previous matches.
The team featured Joash Onyango of Simba SC Tanzania who is recalled to the squad for the first time since March. Others recalled back to the squad are Spain-based Ismael Gonzalez, Ovella Ochieng who plays in South Africa and goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo.
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia), Faruk Shikhalo (KMC, Tanzania), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars), Brian Bwire (Tusker)
Defenders
Joseph Stanley Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), David Odhiambo (Napsa, Zambia), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks), Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Eugene Asike (Tusker), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), David Owino (KCB), Abud Omar (AEL Larisa, Greece), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Bolton Omwenga(Kagera Sugar, Tanzania)
Midfielders
Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Patila Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Ismael Gonzalez (Real Murcia, Spain), Kenneth Muguna (Azam, Tanzania), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Keagan Ndemi (Bandari), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker), Regean Otieno (KCB), Erick Zakayo (Tusker), Ovella Ochieng (Marumo Gallants, South Africa), Philip Mayaka (Colorado Rapids, USA), Musa Masika (Wazito), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari)
Forwards
Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Henry Meja (Tusker, Kenya), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya)
Harambee Stars are aiming to bounce back to winning ways under their new coach when they face Mali next month. The team leaves for Morocco on October 4, 2021.
