Harambee Stars will be hosting Zambia in a friendly match at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday 9 October from 4pm.
With a series of regulars not making the squad, it’s time for those who’ve always been on the periphery to show what they can do with the arrival of Barnsley defender Clarke Oduor being the talk of the town.
While Oduor features in one of the most competitive league in the world in the English Championship, it is highly unlikely that he will be handed a starting berth in the game as he will have only one training session with the rest of the team; Mathare United’s David Owino expected to slot at left-back.
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Zesco United’s Ian Otieno is a sure bet between the sticks but competition should rise in the central defence pairing where Kimanzi has Brian Mandela, Johnston Omurwa, Joseph Okumu and Joash Onyango. While Okumu and Onyango have been active for their respective clubs, Mandela has been out of action for almost a year but his experience can’t be washed away and considering he is the team’s captain in the absence of Victor Wanyama, benching him will be a huge call by Kimanzi.
Anthony Akumu of Kaizer Chiefs should be the one to replace Wanyama in the midfield and will be joined by Gor Mahia’s Lawrence Juma who has been a favourite since Kimanzi took over. Kenneth Muguna should join the duo in midfield with Eric Johanna and Cliff Nyakeya who all have been on form for their respective clubs expected to trouble the Zambia defence from the flanks; Timothy Otieno expected to lead the attack in the absence of Michael Olunga.
Probable Starting XI: Ian Otieno (GK), Philemon Otieno, Brian Mandela, Joash Onyango, David Owino, Anthony Akumu, Lawrence Juma, Johanna Omollo, Cliff Nyakeya, Kenneth Muguna, Timothy Otieno
Subs From: Timothy Odhiambo (GK), Johnstone Omurwa, Clarke Oduor, Badi Baraka, Francis Kahata, Hassan Abdallah, Katana Mohamed, Austin Otieno, Elvis Rupia, Masud Juma and Oscar Wamalwa
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