Kenya’s coach, Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, has named a 40-man provisional squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros.
The encounter, a double-header, is scheduled for next month. The first leg will be played at the MISC Kasarani on November 11, at 7 pm, under floodlights, while the second leg has been slated for November 15, away in Moroni.
Mulee recalled experienced Finland-based goalkeeper Arnold Origi in a move aimed at adding a touch of experience to the team.
Captain Victor Wanyama, J-League top scorer Michael Olunga and Belgium-based Johanna Omollo, who missed out on the friendly match against Zambia, have also been called upon for the qualifiers which will be played next month.
Gor Mahia’s rookie forward Benson Omala and Sofapaka captain Elli Asieche, meanwhile, have also been included in the squad.
Local-based players are expected to kick off non-residential training on Wednesday while their foreign-based counterparts are set to start checking in on November 2.
The team, then, shall have been trimmed to the final 20 that will do duty for Kenya.
The full squad
Goalkeepers: Arnold Origi (HIFK, Finland), Robert Mboya (Tusker,), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks,), Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars);
Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Brian Mandela (Unattached), Joash Onyango (Simba, Tanzania), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks) Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia), Mike Kibwage (Sofapaka), Joseph Okumu (Elfsborg, Sweden), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks), Baraka Badi (KCB ), David Owino (Zesco United, Zambia), Hillary Wandera (Tusker ), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), David Owino (Mathare United);
Midfielders: Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Victor Wanyama (Impact Montreal, Canada), Ismael Gonzalez (UD Las Palmas, Spain), Eric Johanna Omondi (Jonkoping’s Sodra, Sweden), Cliff Nyakeya (Masr FC, Egypt), Anthony Akumu (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Musa Masika (Wazito), Bonface Muchiri (Tusker) Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Johanna Omolo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ayub Timbe (Unattached), Peter Thion’go (AFC Leopards), Hassan Abdallah (Bandari), Elli Asieche (Sofapaka), Matthew Olake (Unattached), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Austin Odhiambo (AFC Leopards);
Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol, Japan), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Masud Juma (JS Kabylie, Algeria), John Avire (Tanta FC, Egypt), Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars);
Reserves: Dennis Sikhayi (Wazito), James Kinyanjui (Mathare United)