Emerging Stars probable line up against Zambia

Emerging Stars will launch their bid to clinch the COSAFA Cup tonight with a clash against holders Zambia at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Kenya landed the invite to the off-season tournament, replacing Malawi who withdrew in honour of their departed Vice President Dr. Klaus Chilima.

In this piece, Mozzart Sport tries to read coach Kennedy Odhiambo's mind on who he will probably name in the starting team.

Bryne Omondi

The Bandari custodian is the most senior in the team and is expected to start ahead of Dolph Junior and Ibrahim Wanzala. He's experienced and has played for the senior team before. 

Paul Ochuoga 

Nearly everyone is expecting Rooney Onyango to start at right but there is a feeling that Odhiambo will deploy him on the wing. This will give Ochuoga a chance to start.

Geoffrey Onyango 

He's the sole left back in the team and therefore, he's expected to start. Onyango has been on good form at club level. 

Alphonce Omija 

Emerging Stars face Zambia's Chipolopolo in COSAFA Cup Group B opener

He debuted for Harambee Stars debut against Ivory Coast last month and earned the man of the match recognition. He's the most senior central defender in the squad. 

Sylvester Owino 

Probably the most tallest player in the entire squad. Owino is among the few right footed central defenders who can comfortably slot on the left side of the central defence. A two-time league winner with Gor whose experience will come in handy.

Chrispine Erambo

The Tusker midfielder has been a regular figure in the Harambee Stars team in recent times and is expected to insulate the defence.

Stanley Wilson 

He's arguably one of the best ball carriers in the team and by the extent the Kenyan league. He did well in the U18 team last year and went on to skipper the U20 team in March

Rooney Onyango 

Stars head coach Engin Firat has always had the believe that Onyango is a winger and not a right back. 

The Gor right back is expected to start on the right wing and will skipper the team.

Hassan Beja

One of the positions that coach Odhiambo will have an headache in selecting the best starter is the left wing. Besides, Beja, Elly Olwande and William Gitamu are also good enough to start. However the Ingwe winger is head and shoulders above the duo if his experience is anything to go by.

Austin Odhiambo 

There is no doubt that he is the most creative player in the team. He has proven it at club level and recently with the senior national team. 

Benson Omala

Omala is a proven goal scorer at club level and had previously scored for the U20 and U23 teams during regional assignments. 

His understanding with Austin makes him the best choice to start. 

Substitutes 

Ibrahim Wanzala, Dolph Junior, Amos Wanjala, Elly Owande, Aldrine Kibet, Patrick Otieno, John Ochieng, Kayci Odhiambo, William Gitamu, Jeremy Bisau, Alfred Tanui, Moses Shumah