Lual expected back at Mathare after South Sudan axe him from squad

Mathare United forward Dani Lual is expected to jet back to the country on Monday after failing to make to the 23-man South Sudan national squad set to play Jordan in a FIFA World Cup tournament on Monday.

The lanky striker had been called up to the Bright Stars team for the first time but was overlooked when coach Cyprian Besong unveiled his travelling party to Doha where the contest will be staged.

The German gaffer who is of Cameroonian descent had initially called the four South Sudanese players who ply their trade in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League but Kariobangi Sharks centre back Kuol Chol did not make it to the camp while Gor Mahia forward Tito Okello is a major doubt for the match as he is yet to recover from illness. AFC Leopards midfielder Saad Musa made the cut.

Lual believes that rubbing shoulders with the senior national team players imparted him with skills which will go a long way in helping Mathare survive relegation. The ‘Slum Boys’ sit at the rock bottom of the log with eight points garnered from eighteen rounds.

“I have no hard feelings towards the coach for dropping from the final squad despite scoring four goals in as many friendly matches. I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to train with the big boys. I am coming back to Kenya on Monday armed with lessons and skills which I hope will help my club get out of the red zone,” he said.

Lual in the meantime expressed hope of nailing a place in the national U23 squad in the CECAFA tournament set for next month in Ethiopia.

The former Atlabara forward revealed Besong had assured him of considering when he names his squad for the championship.

“I really wanted to play against Jordan but the coach told me I will be part of the U23 team for the CECAFA championship. The number of upcoming players is ballooning and I have to work hard to keep my place in the team,” he added.