Leopards Star Isuza Included As Migne Names AFCON Provisional Squad

14th May 2019

Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Victor Wanyama retains his role as captain as the team gear up for an appearance in the continental football showpiece for the first time in 15 years

Harambee Stars head coach Sebastian Migne at the AFCON squad unveiling on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. PHOTO/AnthonyMwaki/SPN
Harambee Stars head coach Sebastian Migne at the AFCON squad unveiling on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. PHOTO/AnthonyMwaki/SPN
SUMMARY
  • AFC Leopards SC midfielder Whyvonne Isuza and Sofapaka FC striker John Avire were the most notable inclusions in the provisional AFCON squad named by Harambee Stars coach Sébastien Migne
  • Current SportPesa Premier League (SPL) top scorer Allan Wanga was also part of Migne's team to offer attacking options alongside Keshiwa Reysol FC forward Michael Olunga

  • Leading up to that, the team is set to depart for Paris, France on May 31 for a 19-day residential camp where they will feature in two friendlies before departing for the competition in Egypt

NAIROBI, Kenya- AFC Leopards SC midfielder Whyvonne Isuza and Sofapaka FC striker John Avire were the most notable inclusions in the provisional AFCON squad named by Harambee Stars coach Sébastien Migne. 

Migne was naming the team at the FKF House, Goal Project on Tuesday morning and he unveiled a list of 30 players and went ahead to state only 26 will make his final traveling squad. 

Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Victor Wanyama retains his role as the captain of the Harambee Stars as they gear up for their first appearance at the finals for the first time in 15 years. 

READ ALSO: All Eyes On Migne! Frenchman Set To Name Harambee Stars AFCON Squad

Current SportPesa Premier League (SPL) top scorer Allan Wanga was also part of Migne's team to offer attacking options alongside Keshiwa Reysol FC forward Michael Olunga. 

Returning Leopards sensation Paul Were has also been included in the squad amongst a midfield that retains familiar faces such as Sofapaka FC's Dennis Odhiambo, Gor Mahia FC's Francis Kahata and foreign-based winger Ayub Timbe.

"This is a very important day for Harambee Stars and I will announce a provisional squad of 30 players but only pick 26 for the final squad.

"I'm picking 30 because you never know what is going to happen. I have an idea of the final 26 but it's good to be prepared," Migne explained. 

Shortly after naming the team, Migne emphasised the importance of preparation before participating in the continental showpiece. 

READ ALSO: Bring On Bandari! Sharks Coach Muluya Upbeat About SportPesa Shield Final

Leading up to that, the team is set to depart for Paris, France on May 31 for a 19-day residential camp where they will feature in two friendlies before departing for the competition in Egypt. 

Kenya will play Madagascar on June 7 and Gambia eight days later to aid in their preparation for the 2019 AFCON. 

"I know the entire country has been waiting for this moment and I am up to the task, I know my players are too.

"We have mature players and they are all capable of doing their best so we can have something to show for our efforts.

"Beginning next week we shall start with training with a couple of local players and a few international ones, because we don't have any time to waste," the Frenchman underlined.

READ ALSO: Djokovic Sees Third Madrid Title As Perfect Roland Garros Platform

Zesco United striker Jesse Were and Ayub Timbe were missing from the squad despite local fans staging protests online over the Zambian-based forward but the Stars coach backed his decision not to give him a call up.

"Jesse is a good player but from his 26 call ups, he hasn't scored even one goal for his country.

"This is the highest level of African football and we have the best striker in the local league (Wanga) on the list. He may not be in my team today but we don't know what tomorrow brings" Migne offered.

Harambee Stars will be in Group C alongside East African neighbors Tanzania, Liverpool FC's Sadio Mane led Senegal and Algeria. 

Their first match will be against the North African giants on June 23 in Cairo, with Tanzania up next on June 27 before the final group game against Senegal on the first day of July. 

READ ALSO: Pochettino: Winning The Champions League Will Transform Tottenham

"We have to work harder than we ever have before if we are to realize our true capability as a contender for the finals in Egypt. 

"The training in France will be a key piece to the puzzle and I feel as though it will make us as ready as we can be for the competition. I am looking forward to it," he underlined. 

AFCON Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi, Farouk Shikalo, John Oyemba, Brian Bwire

Defenders

David Owino, Brian Mandela, Musa Mohammed, Bernard Ochieng, Joseph Okumu, Joash Onyango, Eric Ouma, Aboud Omar, Philemon Otieno

Midfielders

Victor Wanyama, Ismael Gonzalez, Athony Akumu, Dennis Odhiambo, Johanna Omollo, Francis Kahata, Paul Were, Eric Johanna, Clifton Miheso, Ovella Ochieng, Ayub Timbe

Forwards

Michael Olunga, Masoud Juma, Christopher Mbamba, John Avire, Allan Wanga, Whyvhonne Isuza

CHAN Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Farouk Shikalo, John Oyemba, Brian Bwire

Defenders

Philemon Otieno, Joash Onyango, Bernard Ochieng, Charles Momanyi, Michael Kibwage, Andrew Juma, David Ochieng, David Owino, Eric Juma

Midfielders

Roy Okal, Teddy Osok, Patillah Omotto, Dennis Odhiambo, Ibrahim Shambi, Duke Abuya, Whyvonne Izusa, Cliff Nyakeya, Kenneth Muguna, Francis Kahata, Samuel Onyango, Paul Were, Abdalla Hassan, Joe Waithera