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To stick or twist: Harambee Stars probable XI, Masud Juma situation
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 10.08.25. | 10:09
McCarthy faces key decisions on his squad that battled hard against Angola on Thursday
After a quick turnaround, Harambee Stars find themselves in yet another game, just two nights removed from what was a heroic display against tournament regulars Angola at the Moi International Sports Centre – Kasarani.
On Thursday night, bodies lay on the pitch in exhaustion, while others hobbled off after putting themselves through 98 minutes of pure grit.
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Stars coach Benni McCarthy expects a day of rest will have done them a wealth of good, but with a squad of 25 players, will probably make do with a couple of changes to ignite freshness ahead of their key match-up against a well-rested Morocco.
Mozzart Sport looks at the afternoon’s game probable lineup, and what McCarthy had to say on squad rotation.
Probable XI:
Bryne Omondi, Daniel Sakari, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Chrispine Erambo, Manzur Okwaro, Alpha Onyango, Austine Odhiambo, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam.
As seen in the last two matches, McCarthy seems pretty confident about his backline, and having bravely fended off the Palancas Negras, no change is expected from it, but an added curve-ball remains: the inclusion of an extra defender - preferably Michael Kibwage - given his calming aspect when he came on in the second half on Thursday.
In midfield, Chrispine Erambo is widely viewed to be the guy to replace suspended Marvin Nabwire, having played the same role to some success as a second-half substitute.
Young Manzur has run himself on the ground in the last two games, but would seem an ideal starter again, linking up with partners Austine Odhiambo and Alpha Onyango.
McCarthy rotated his frontline against Angola with eyes looking further ahead, hence the thinking other changes will be on the cards, with Ogam and Sakwa starting again after being dropped last time out.
Masud situation
A knock against DR Congo sidelined forward Masud Juma out of the Angola game, and he remains a doubt for Sunday’s game.
McCarthy, in an early Saturday presser deemed him “ready for selection”, but the Migori Youth player carried a bit of a hobble during their pitch training session, before later training individually.
On his injury, McCarthy said: “His progress is really good, I spoke to the physio and he said he is good to go. In our training session we will assess and also find out from the player how he feels - if he is ready to be thrown in there, or needs more time. He is ready for selection, but it is up to us to decide if he can play.”
Need for changes
Given the demands of Thursday night, a “yeah” from McCarthy when asked if there would be need for changes hints at a bit of squad rotation, but signs of the team in training later in the day showed little signs of fatigue.
On the topic, McCarthy said: “It is a touch-and-go situation, so perhaps you have to freshen up because when players have given you so much effort, maybe we have to consider making changes to our squad, but for now, we are undecided.”
The wait for the squad naming awaits then.
