Okumbi invite seven new faces for Guinea Bissau double
Kenya coach Stanley Okumbi has included seven new faces in his provisional 35-man squad for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau later in the month.
The Harambee Stars travel to Bissau for the Group E Day Three clash on Wednesday, 23 March 2016, before hosting the reverse four days later in Nairobi.
The septet includes three players from the domestic second-tier league, with one being called up for the first time.
Ovella Ochieng who turns out for Kariobangi Sharks, has received his first ever call-up to the senior side, coming just a few months after leaving High School. His teammate and captain at Sharks, Patillah Omotto returns to the national team after a three-year hiatus. His last stint was in 2012 at the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, where the Harambee Stars finished runner-up to hosts Uganda.
Striker Nicholas Kipkurui from Zoo Kericho completes the second tier trio.
AFC Leopards goalie Lucas Indeche, who has been inspirational for his side since joining in June 2015, has also been rewarded with a place in the squad.
Lanky Chemelil Sugar defender, Joseph Okumu, also a recent High School graduate gets a debut call-up just as Sony Sugar’s Eugene Ochieng, Simon Abuko from Leopards and Aziz Okaka from Ushuru FC.
“We have made a very good blend of young upcoming players and experienced ones. We are looking further than the two matches against Guinea Bissau matches and overall, our campaign in the qualifiers. We know it is a tough test ahead of us against Guinea Bissau but we shall have good preparations to be able to pick all points,” Okumbi, who was appointed a fortnight ago, told CAFOnline.
Kenya sits third in the group with just a point after two matches. They drew 1-1 with Congo in the first match in Brazzaville before losing out 2-1 to leaders Zambia at home in Nairobi. A win over both legs will be priceless for the Harambee Stars who are seeking to qualify for the flagship continental championship since 2004.
The team sets to camp on March 14 while the foreign-based players are expected to join the rest of the team five days to the fixture.
Full Squad