Kenya will play against Pakistan and hosts Mauritius in the four nations tournament this week.
Harambee Stars jetted off to Mauritius on Monday morning as they prepare to face Pakistan and Mauritius on Wednesday and Sunday in the Four-Nations Tournament this week.
Head coach Engin Firat will be using the tourney to continue building a team that he feels can be ready to compete in future tournaments, starting with CECAFA in July and then the World Cup qualifiers which commence in November this year.
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Pulse Sports attempts to answer your questions on everything you need to know about the trip to Mauritius.
How many players have made Firat’s final squad?
Seven players have been dropped from Harambee Stars’ provisional squad set to play against Pakistan and Mauritius later this week.
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Kenya will play Pakistan on Wednesday before facing Mauritius on Sunday.
Among the big names left out of the now-trimmed 23-man squad include; Azam FC midfielder Kenneth Muguna, KAA Gent’s Joseph Okumu, and Masud Juma (Al-Faisaly, Saudi Arabia).
The other players - all locally based- who will also not feature are; Sofapaka goalkeeper and debutant in the national team fold Simon Masaka, Bandari’s Mohamed Siraj, Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), and Kenya Police FC midfielder cum winger Alvin Mang’eni.
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Firat had initially named a 30-man provisional squad, but seven have been cut and now 23 made the plane.
Why did the seven players miss out?
Masud Juma and Joseph Okumu have been ruled out through injury. Okumu failed to pass a late fitness test, meaning he could not make the trip.
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Masud Juma was ruled out earlier. Sofapaka goalkeeper Simon Masaka also only recently returned to full fitness after missing a couple of Sofapaka games due to injury.
As for the local based players, Engin Firat believes they need more experience at club level to give them a chance of becoming more seasoned and ready for international duty.
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Which players should benefit the most from the trip?
Every player is expected to feature in some capacity. Firat has included some uncapped players in the squad, including strikers Moses Shummah of Kakamega Homeboyz who will fancy their chances of winning Engin Firat’s trust as adequate backups to captain Michael Olunga.
Kenya Police youngster Charles Ouma will also have a chance to show his capabilities at the base of midfield, having also won his first call-up to the squad.Joseph Mwangi, who has been on stellar form for Nzoia Sugar this season, will also stake his claim.
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Who will Kenya face in the tournament?
Kenya are scheduled to face Pakistan on Wednesday, before facing Mauritius on Sunday. Unless stated, both kick off time is 2:00 PM EAT.
FINAL SQUAD.
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Goalkeepers.
Brian Bwire (Tusker FC), Ian Otieno (Zesco United), Bryne Omondi (KCB)
Defenders.
David Ochieng (Kenya Police), Daniel Sakari (Tusker FC ), Collins Shichenje (KUPS), Robinson Kamura (Kakamega Homeboyz), Kevin Luke Otiala (Kariobangi Sharks), Eric Ouma (AIK ), Aboud Omar (Kenya Police), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FC)
Midfielders.
Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union), Bonface Omondi (Gor Mahia), Cliffton Miheso (Kenya Police), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari FC ), Amos Ndondi (Ararat), Anthony Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Charles Ouma ( Kenya Police ), Joseph Mwangi (Nzoia Sugar), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards)
Forwards.
Michael Olunga (Al Duhail), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Moses Shummah (Kakamega Homeboyz)