By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Harambee Stars’ head coach, Engin Firat, has unveiled the 23-man squad for their upcoming friendly against Russia.
The friendly is set to be played on October 16, 2023, in Ankara, Turkey.
The squad has a blend of local and internationally-based players, with left-back Vincent Harper who plays for Exeter in England, and Gor Mahia defender Rooney Onyango, earning their maiden call-up to the national team.
Tusker’s Brian Bwire, South Africa-based Ovella Ochieng, and AFC Leopards’ Cliffton Miheso are returning to the squad. Ovella is a free agent after he parted ways with South Africa Premier League side Richards Bay.
Captain Michael Olunga, Masud Juma, Joseph Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Eric Ouma, Amos Nondi, Richard Odada, and Teddy Akumu, are some players forming the foreign-based contingent.
The most notable absentee is on-form Gor Mahia striker Benson Omalla. Omalla scored a brace during the Mashemeji Derby on Saturday and is currently the league’s top scorer with six goals.
To prepare for this final friendly ahead of their World Cup Qualifiers in November, the team will travel on Monday, October 9, 2023, before they camp in Turkey.
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi, Brian Bwire, Bryne Odhiambo
Defenders
Joseph Stanley Okumu, Brian Mandela, Johnstone Omurwa, Collins Sichenje, Erick Ouma, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari, Vincent Harper, Amos Nondi
Midfielders
Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Alpha Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Ovella Ochieng
Forwards
Masoud Juma, Alfred Scriven, Cliffton Miheso, Moses Shummah, Michael Olunga
