Francis Kimanzi, the Kenya Under 23 coach has named an 23-man squad that will report for residential training on November 9 ahead of the upcoming Africa U23 Cup of Nations/ Olympics qualifier against Mauritius.
The squad, which has been trimmed from the initial list of 57 players, comprises of a bulk of players who did duty in the March friendly matches against Uzbekistan. Kenya beat Uzbekistan 2-1 on March 23 before losing 1-0 three days later in what was Kimanzi’s first assignment with the Emerging Stars.
Foreign based players who are within the age bracket are also expected to link up with the team when they hit camp. Sweden based Ovella Ochieng’, Georgia based Alwyn Tera, US based Joseph Okumu make up the foreign legion.
The two-leg clash against Mauritius will be played in Nairobi and Port Louis on November 14 and 18 respectively. Kenya will play the first leg at home before travelling to Mauritius for the reverse tie.
The winner of the tie on aggregate will proceed to the second round, with a third round also in line.
Emerging Stars will first have to qualify for the eight-team U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt next year, from where the top three teams will represent Africa at the Olympic Games.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks).
Defenders: Joseph Okumu (Real Monarchs, USA), Michael Kibwage (KCB), Lennox Ogutu (Mathare United), Johnstone Omurwa (Mathare United), David Owino (Mathare United), Harun Mwale (Ulinzi Stars), Yusuf Mainge (AFC Leopards).
Midfielders: Alwyn Tera (Saburtalo, Georgia), Teddy Osok (Sofapaka), Tobias Otieno (Sony Sugar), Ibrahim Shambi (Ulinzi Stars), Abdallah Ahmed (Mathare United) Chrispinus Onyango (KCB), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks).
Forwards: Jonah Ayunga (Sutton United, England), Henry Ochieng’ (Braintree Town, England), Ovella Ochieng’ (Vasalund, Sweden), Boniface Mukhekhe (Nakumatt), Piston Mutamba (Sofapaka), Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Jaffari Awiti (AFC Leopards).
Additional information Daily Nation