Stars duo forced out as Okumbi set to name squad

Harambee Stars midfielder Johanna Omollo and left-back Abud Omar have been forced out of the national team ahead of the forthcoming 2019 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone.

The foreign-based duo sustained injuries while playing for their respective clubs, posing a fresh selection headache for First Coach Stanley Okumbi.

Omollo becomes the second midfield call-up to be struck off Okumbi’s list following the withdrawal of Gor Mahia FC ace Kenneth Muguna who opted out due to club commitments with the same applying to Omar’s case in the defensive department.

The absence of Omar leaves Georgian-based full back Eric Ouma favourite to start on the left but will face competition from Bolton Omwenga who features for Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Kariobangi Sharks.

Former Mathare United midfielder Eric Johanna arrived on Tuesday morning and offers a timely boost for the Stars and is likeliest to partner skipper Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur) and Zesco United’s Anthony Akumu in the middle of the park.

The Vasalunds IF player has been a common fixture is Okumbi’s staring line-ups but will battle local stars including Ulinzi Stars’ Samuel Onyango, Chemelil Sugar’s Victor Majid and Tusker’s Jackson Macharia for the spot.

Zesco United’s trio of David Owino, Jesse Were and Akumu have already departed Zambia for Kenya and are scheduled to report on Tuesday evening.

Of the foreign-based legion that were called to camp, only Wanyama, Ouma, Johanna, Brian Mandela and Joseph Okumu have already reported to camp with Okumbiu set to name his final squad on Wednesday.