Why fast-rising Harambee Stars midfielder is close to AIK breakthrough
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 09.02.26. | 08:06
Compatriot Henry Meja was not included in the camp, having been deemed surplus to requirements at the club
Kenya Under-20 midfielder Stanley Wilson is edging closer to securing a place in AIK’s first team after starting in their last three preseason friendly matches, including Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Toronto FC.
The former Kariobangi Sharks midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at third-tier side Enköpings SK.
Since his return, he has made a strong impression, featuring from the start in all three of AIK’s recent warm-up games as he pushes for a regular spot in the starting XI.
AIK are now under the guidance of former Al Ahly and Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro, with Wilson keen to impress during pre-season in order to earn a place in the squad for the upcoming campaign.
His run of starts began in a 1-0 win over Estonia, followed by a 3-1 defeat to Liepaja, where he faced his Kenya Under-20 teammate Irad Mshindi, who recently joined the Latvian side.
On Sunday, Wilson once again featured from the start as AIK drew 2-2 with Canadian outfit Toronto FC.
Toronto took the lead in the 10th minute through Deandre Kerr, before Johan Hove equalised six minutes into the second half.
AIK went ahead in the 78th minute via an own goal, but Toronto struck deep into stoppage time to salvage a draw.
Compatriot Henry Meja was not included in the camp, having been deemed surplus to requirements at the club.
Elsewhere, in Tanzania, Kenyan striker Elvis Rupia played the full 90 minutes for Singida Black Stars in their 1-0 defeat to Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in the CAF Confederation Cup, a result that ended their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Abdennour Belhocini scored the decisive goal in the third minute.
Despite Mohamed Ben Hammouda’s red card in the 60th minute, the Algerian side held on to claim all three points.
Singida remain third in the group with four points, meaning their final match against Stellenbosch will be a dead rubber, with both sides already eliminated.
In South Africa, Kenyan goalkeeper Ian Otieno starred for Richards Bay as they knocked Siwelele out of the Nedbank Cup in the Round of 16 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time.
Sanele Zulu and Lundi Mahlala both scored twice for Bay, while Grant Margeman, Siphelele Luthuli and an own goal accounted for Siwelele’s goals.
Richards Bay went on to win the shootout 4-3, with Otieno converting the decisive penalty.
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