Kenya have kicked off preparations for their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Ghana with a 25-man home-based squad.
From the call-ups, head coach Sébastien Migné is also eyeing a formidable side that will compete in the up-coming CHAN qualifiers which is exclusively reserved for local players. They’ve been drawn to face Burundi on a yet-to-be confirmed date.
The squad held their first training session at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies on Tuesday, February 20, with the exception of Gor Mahia players who will have a SportPesa Premier League match a day later against Western Stima.
20 local based players took part in the session, which is the first of weekly training sessions that have been lined up. Two foreign-based players, Masud Juma and David Ochieng, also took part.
“We intend to have at least a session every week with the local based players. This way, we will be better prepared for the international matches,” said coach Migné.
Ghana host the Harambee Stars in their final game on March 23. Both countries have already qualified for the Afcon in Egypt later in June. The winner of the fixture tops Group F of the 2019 Afcon qualifiers.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), Farouk Shikalo (Bandari), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks).
Defenders: David Owino (Mathare United), Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia), Andrew Juma (Mathare United), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Michael Kibwage (KCB), Elvis Nandwa (Ulinzi Stars), Benard Ochieng (Vihiga United).
Midfielders: James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks), Duke Abuya (Kariobangi Sharks), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia), Cliff Nyakeya (Mathare United), Dennis Odhiambo (Sofapaka), Roy Okal (Mathare United), Teddy Osok (Wazito FC), John Avire (Sofapaka), Jafari Owiti (AFC Leopards), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Whyonne Isuza (AFC Leopards).
Forwards: Piston Mutamba (Sofapaka), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), David Juma (Tusker), Allan Wanga (Kakamega HomeBoyz).
