Kenya Calls Up 25 Players for CHAN Preparations

The first batch of 25 players will begin preparing for places in Kenya’s team for the 2020 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers on Tuesday.

The list drawn by head coach Sebastien Migne, that is also in preparations towards the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt (in June), is strictly made of high performing players in the ongoing Kenyan Premier League.

Former Petro Athletico and Tusker lead striker Allan Wanga and Sofapaka forward Piston Mutamba made the list.

Whyvonne Isuza, part of Harambee Stars winning squad at 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge, is included in the squad, as are Abdallah Hassan and Cliff Nyakeya, who have both been capped at full international level.

In-form Gor Mahia midfielder Francis Kahata has been called up, as have Kariobangi Sharks midfield dynamo Duke Abuya and Tusker forward, David Juma.

Wazito midfielder Teddy Osok received a call up, but Ulinzi’s Enosh Ochieng was surprisingly omitted. The seven-goal scorer is however expected to make the second batch.

All players from outside Nairobi namely Elvis Nandwa, Abdallah Hassan, Farouk Shikalo, Allan Wanga, and Benard Ochieng, have been excused from the first training session and are set to link up with the team in the following week.

The Harambee Stars CHAN squad will be using the facilities at Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi for their camping.

Invited players

Goalkeepers

Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), Farouk Shikalo (Bandari)

Defenders

Andrew Juma (Mathare United), David Owino (Mathare United), Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Elvis Nandwa (Ulinzi Stars), Michael Kibwage (KCB), Benard Ochieng (Vihiga United)

Midfielders

Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks), Duke Abuya (Kariobangi Sharks), Roy Okal (Mathare United), Cliff Nyakeya (Mathare United), John Avire (Sofapaka), Dennis Odhiambo (Sofapaka), Teddy Osok (Wazito FC), Whyonne Isuza (AFC Leopards), Jafari Owiti (AFC Leopards), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari)

Forwards

Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), Piston Mutamba (Sofapaka), Allan Wanga (Kakamega HomeBoyz), David Juma (Tusker)