Deadly weapons Olunga, Were to lead Stars bombardment of Iraqi defence

Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi has named his starting lineup for the today’s FIFA international friendly match against host Iraq scheduled to kick off at 7pm (Kenyan time) at Basra Stadium in southern Iraq.

Jesse Were who plies his trade with Zesco United in Zambia is set to partner Michael Olunga upfront, while Were’s club team mate, defender David Owino will captain the team in place of  absent Victor Wanyama who is nursing a knee injury.

Okumbi has thrown Rangers keeper Patrick Matasi in goal at the expense of regular Boniface Oluoch.

Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi reacts against Guinea Bissau during their AFCON 2017 qualifier return leg match at the Nyayo National stadium on March 27, 2016. Guinea Bissau won 1-0. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com
Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi reacts against Guinea Bissau during their AFCON 2017 qualifier return leg match at the Nyayo National stadium on March 27, 2016. Guinea Bissau won 1-0. Photo/Sportpicha

Zambia based Anthony Akumu will partner Gor Mahia’s Ernest Wendo in the central midfield role, while  Eric Johanna claims the other midfield role and should be able to supply the the main man Olunga upfront.

Having recorded mixed results in the last few games, Okumbi will be aiming to get things back on track.

Stars recently slumped in FIFA rankings dropping to position 88 from 84 after the recent 1-1 draw friendly with Mozambique.

Harambee Stars players celebrate Eric Johanna's goal against Mozambique during their International friendly match at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani on November 12, 2016. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com
Harambee Stars players celebrate Eric Johanna’s goal against Mozambique during their International friendly match at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani on November 12, 2016. Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com

Starting XI

Patrick Matasi(GK), Abud Omar, Simon Mbugua, Joackins Atudo, David Owino, Anthony Okumu, Ernest Wendo, Samuel Onyango, Eric Johanna, Jesse Were, Michael Olunga.

Substitutes

Boniface Oluoch, Harun Shakava, Robinson Kamura, Musa Mohammed, Patillah Omotto, Clifton Miheso, Boniface Muchiri, Dennis Sikhayi, Kenneth Muguna, John Makwatta, Stephen Waruru, Masud Juma.

Iraq Starting XI

Mohammed Kassid (C), Ibrahim Khalif, Ali Adnan, Rebin Ghareeb, Waleed Salim, Ayman Hussein, Mahdi Kamil, Hekmat Nouri, Hikmat Azeez, Amjed Kadhim, Hussain Ali.

Substitutes

Talib Raheem, Mohanad Karrar, Ali Fadhil, Faez Atiyah, Resan Bashar, Ahmed Abdulzahra, Jala Hassan, Fayyadh Ajeel, Yaseen Gheni, Mustafa Nadhim.

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