Wanyama Among Four Out Of Stars Squad To Face Ghana

6th September 2018

Head coach Sebastian Migne sweating over the fitness of Zesco duo Were, Owino

Harambee Stars coach Sébastien Migné in consultation with his assistant Francis Kimanzi during the team's second training session on Tuesday September 4, 2018, at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies grounds. PHOTO/Courtesy/FKF
Harambee Stars coach Sébastien Migné in consultation with his assistant Francis Kimanzi during the team's second training session on Tuesday September 4, 2018, at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies grounds. PHOTO/Courtesy/FKF
SUMMARY
  • Migne who released his final squad of 24 on Wednesday will also miss the services of suspended pair; winger Ayub Timbe Masika who plays for China Division One side, Heilongjiang FC and Brian Mandela
  • Zambia top-flight leaders Zesco United FC duo, striker Jesse Were and defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino are in the team’s camp in Nairobi but are racing to recover from thigh strains 
  • Ghana were scheduled to land on Thursday evening and conduct their first training session the following morning at the MISC Kasarani

NAIROBI, Kenya- Captain Victor Wanyama is among the four players out of the 2019 AFCON qualifier against Ghana Black Stars on Saturday where Frenchman Harambee Stars head coach, Sebastian Migne will mark his competitive debut.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed on Thursday that Wanyama, who only resumed training last Friday (August 31) with his English Premier League (EPL) heavyweights, Tottenham Hotspur after recovering from the knee knock that kept him out for parts of last season, did not make the cut.

Migne who released his final squad of 24 on Wednesday will also miss the services of suspended pair; winger Ayub Timbe Masika who plays for China Division One side, Heilongjiang FC and Brian Mandela besides injured forward Paul Were.

Zambia top-flight leaders Zesco United FC duo, striker Jesse Were and defender David ‘Calabar’ Owino are in the team’s camp in Nairobi but are racing to recover from thigh strains ahead of the Group F clash that kicks off at 4pm local time (+3GMT).

Ghana were scheduled to land on Thursday evening and conduct their first training session the following morning at the MISC Kasarani where the match will be played following their training camp in Ethiopia.

Stars need a result against the pool favourites to keep their dream of reaching a first AFCON final since 2004 alive following their opening 1-2 loss to Sierra Leone in Leone last June.

Ghana blanked bottom-placed Ethiopian 5-0 at the same time to take charge of the Group with Kwesi Appiah’s side also missing their captain Asamoah Gyan and the dropped Ayew brothers- Andre and Jordan.

Zambian official Janny Sikazwe will be the centre referee and will be assisted by compatriots Oliver Gift Mweene and Kabwe Chansa.

Wisdom Chewe is set to be the fourth official while Jean-Albert Rollin from Reunion will be the Match Commissioner with tickets priced at KSh200 Regular and KSh1000 VIP.

Final Squad

Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi, Farouk Shikalo, Ian Otieno.

Defenders: Philemon Otieno, Jockins Atudo, Dennis Odhiambo, Joash Onyango, Benard Ochieng, Abud Omar, David Ochieng, Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Musa Mohammed, David Owino.

Midfielders: Francis Kahata, Abdallah Hassan, Anthony Akumu, Eric Johanna, Ismail Gonzalez, Johanna Omollo.

Forwards: Piston Mutamba, Jesse Were, Michael Olunga, Ovella Ochieng