Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi has promoted two junior players into the senior team ahead of 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup to be hosted in Uganda next month.
Kimanzi named Western Stima Benson Omala and Brian Bwire in the provisional squad following their imperious performance at the under 20 Rising Stars campaign where they finished second behind champions Uganda.
Kenya, as the defending champions, has been pooled in Group C alongside Tanzania, Djibouti, and Zanzibar, and will be looking to defend the title they won in December 2017, in Machakos.
A day after he was named as the best football player in the month of October by Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper Timothy Odhiambo will be leading in the posts alongside Kariobangi Sharks custodian Brian Bwire.
Odhiambo and Bwire will be guarding the posts with the team expected to report to the camp on Monday 2nd ahead of the tournament that runs from December 7th to 19th in Uganda.
Also in the team is Sweden based Anthony Wambani who plays for Vasalunds IF, Posta Rangers’ defender Suleiman Ngotho, Western Stima Benson Omala.
Group A is comprised of hosts Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, while Group B will pit guest team DR Congo against Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia.
The top two teams in each group, as well as two best losers from the three groups, will proceed to the tournament’s quarterfinal.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Timothy Odhiambo (Ulinzi Stars), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks)
Defenders
Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Suleiman Ngotho (Posta Rangers), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks), Hillary Wandera (Tusker), Andrew Juma (Mathare United), David Owino (Mathare United) Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks)
Midfielders
Anthony Wambani (Vasalunds IF), Roy Okal (Mathare United), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Musa Masika (Wazito), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Reagan Otieno (KCB), Luke Namanda (Tusker), Whyvone Isuza (AFC Leopards), Kevin Kimani (Mathare United), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia)
Forwards
Oscar Wamalwa (Ulinzi Stars), Benson Omala (Western Stima), Elvis Nandwa (Ulinzi Stars), John Mark Makwatta (AFC Leopards)