Ahead of this year’s Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup, Uganda’s opening day opponents Kenya on Wednesday afternoon released their final squad the minus a number of experienced players.
The notable absentees from the squad are Paul Mungai, Boniface Olouch, Ibrahim Shikanda and Martin Imbalabala.
According to Coach James Nandwa who will be in charge of the team in the tournament, Mungai and Oluoch have been left out of the squad since Coach Henri Michel intends to use them for the CHAN qualifier against Burundi while Shikanda is nursing an ankle injury which is not expected to recover in time for the tournament.
He however adds that AFC Leopards skipper Martin Imbalabala has requested to be left out due to domestic problems.
US based Lawrence Olum who plies his trade with Kansas City Wizards has also been surprisingly left out.
“Shikanda said he can’t make it since he has a niggling ankle problem so we can only wish he recovers well and quick. As for Bonny and Mungai, they were called to the Stars squad for CHAN while Imbalambala has an ailing relative to take care of”, Nandwa told the media.
Harambe Stars will kick off their campaign with a game against hosts Uganda on Saturday 24 November at Mandela Stadium, Namboole.
Kenya is in pool A with hosts Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Full Squad:
Keepers: Duncan Ochieng, Martin Musalia
Defenders: Abdalla Juma, Thomas Wanyama, Anthony Modo Kimani, David Owino, Jockins Atudo, David Ochieng.
Midfielders: Bernard Mang’oli, Patillah Omoto, Humphrey Mieno, Paul Were, Cliff Miheso, Kevin Omondi, Anthony Muki Kimani, Rama Salim, Victor Ochieng.
Forwards: Edwin Lavatsa, Enock Agwanda, Mike Baraza.
