NAIROBI, Kenya, July 23 – Mathare United stalwart Edgar Ochieng has again been left out of the provisional national football squad named to start preparations for their 2010 World Cup qualifier against Mozambique.
National team coach Antoine Hey had hinted that he would recall players left out because of the infamous letter of commitments but Ochieng’s name was conspicuously missing from the 26 man squad named on Thursday.
No Mathare United player was named in the squad as the feud between the coach the reigning league champions continues unabated with Duncan Ochieng and Titus Mulama, Anthony Kimani all missing out.
Three Gor Mahia players were named in the team with George Odhiambo, Duncan Owiti and Ibrahim Kitavi all set to make their debuts after receiving their first ever call ups.
Thika United’s Abdulatif Omar and Dennis Mukaisi are also in the team for the first time while former Gor Mahia goalkeeper Jacktone Odhiambo makes a comeback to the side after a year out during which he was in military training.
Former Tusker striker Frankline Obare who is currently with AFC leopards has also been recalled as has Chemilil’s John Mwangi who is only just back in the country after a stint in Tanzania.
The team will start camp on Sunday ahead of the September 6 clash away to Mozambique.
Stars are currently lying third in the group with three points after winning one match and losing two. They started their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Tunisia in Nairobi in March and followed with a 3-0 hiding at the hands of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja in June.
A hard fought 2-1 win over Mozambique on June 20 got the team’s campaign back on track.
But while the World Cup is all but a pipe dream, a good result against the Mambas in Maputo on September 6 will put them in pole position to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Goalkeepers: David Okello, Wilson Oburu and Jacktone Odhiambo.
Defenders: Pascal Ochieng, Julius Owino, Geoffrey Kokoyo, George Owino, Abdulatif Omar, Thomas Wanyama, Jack Situma and Jotckins Atudo.
Midfielders: Jerry Santos, Abdulrazak Alwy, Chrispine Olando, Ibrahim Kitavi, Peter Opiyo, Fred Ajwang, Evans Wandera and Humphrey Mieno.
Strikers: Abdulwahab Musa, George Odhiambo, Duncan Owiti, Frankline Obare, John Mwangi, Dennis Mukaisi and Joseph Njuguna.
