Avire, Ayunga named in Harambee Stars' squad for Malawi tournament

Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has named his squad for the four-nation tournament in Lilongwe Malawi.

Firat has handed a number of newcomers a chance in the provisional squad that is expected to be trimmed before the team flies to Malawi.

Murang’a Seal’s Bonphas Munyasa, Alphonse Omija who is based in Oman, Tusker FC’s fast-rising midfielder, Chris Erambo, AFC Leopards' assistant captain Kaycie Odhiambo, Bandari FC striker David Sakwa, Shariff Musa of Gor Mahia, and Scotland-based Jonah Ayunga all earn inclusion in the team for the first time ever.

A number of players have also been recalled to the national fold. They include Egypt-based striker John Avire who returns to the national fold after years in the cold, Bandari FC keeper Bryne Omondi also returns after recovering from injury, and so does Daniel Anyembe.

Despite being injured, Joseph Okumu has also been included in the squad.

Kenya will take part in a four-nations tournament in Lilongwe, Malawi, next week, aimed at sharpening the teams ahead of the June World Cup qualifiers. The other teams are the hosts Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. All four nations will also field their U20 teams, which will face off in a separate juniors’ tournament.

Full squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco-Zambia), Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Bonphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal)

Defenders

Collins Sichenje (AIK-Sweden), Joseph Okumu (Reims-France), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela-Portugal), Dennis Ng’ang’a (Zanaco Zambia), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg-Denmark), Amos Nondi (Ararat), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Eric Ouma (Rakow-Poland), Alphonce Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Rooney Onyango (GOR Mahia)

Midfileders

Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chris Erambo (Tusker), Richard Odada (Aalborg-Denmark), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Eric Johanna (UTA-Romania)

Forwards

John Avire (Sekka), Michael Olunga (Duhail-Oman), Jonah Ayunga (ST. Mirren-Scotland), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia), Shariff Musa (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sebail-Azeberijan), David Sakwa (Bandari)