Mariga, Gonzalez earn Harambee Stars recalls

Veteran Midfielder McDonald Mariga and CF Fuenlabrada midfielder Ismael Gonzalez have been recalled to the Kenya Football National Team, Harambee Stars, ahead of the team’s international friendly matches against Comoros and the Central African Republic.

Also making a comeback in the 24 man squad named by Harambee Stars Interim Coach Stanley Okumbi are Francis Kahata, Paul Were, Johanna Omolo and Ayub Timbe.

Kenya is scheduled to play Comoros and the Central African Republic in Marrakech, Morocco on March 24 and 27 respectively.

The team will report to camp, in Morocco on March 19, 2018.

Meanwhile,22 players have been called up to the Kenya U23 team, Emerging Stars, ahead of the team’s two-legged friendly matches against Uzbekistan, away, scheduled for March 22, 2018, and March 25, 2018.

Notable names in the squad include AFC Leopards forward Vincent Oburu, Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Sven Yidah and Wazito FC’s Pistone Vunyoli.

“Kenya has enrolled to take part in the 2020 Olympics,” said FKF president Nick Mwendwa.

“As such, the Uzbekistan friendlies will be the first in a series of friendlies that the team will play in preparation for the Olympic qualifiers,” explained the FKF president.

Mathare United’s tactician Francis Kimanzi has been appointed the team’s Head Coach and will be assisted by KCB Tactician John Kamau.

Kenya

Full Harambee Stars Squad:

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi (Posta Rangers), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), Faruk Shikalo (Bandari)

Defenders

Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg United, South Africa), David Ochieng, (IF Brommapojkarna, Sweden), David Owino (Zesco, Zambia), Abud Omar (Slava Sofia, Bulgaria)

Midfielders

Patilah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia), Duncan Otieno (AFC Leopards), Samuel Onyango (Gor Mahia), Athuman Ismael Gonzales (CF Fuenlabrada, Spain), Anthony Akumu (Zesco, Zambia), Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspurs, England), McDonald Mariga (Real Oviedo, Spain), Johanna Omollo (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium), Paul Were (FC Kaisar, Kazakhstan), Eric Johana Omondi (IF Brommapojkarna, Sweden)

Forwards

Ayub Timbe (Heilongjiang FC, China), Cliffton Miheso (Buildcon FC, Zambia), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks), Jesse Were (Zesco FC, Zambia), Michael Olunga (Girona FC, Spain)