NAIROBI, Kenya, March 4 – AFC Leopards have been boosted by the return of forward Noah Wafula, ahead of their Sunday CAF Confederations Cup first round return leg tie against PSL side SuperSport United at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
The winger was sidelined for six weeks after picking a groin injury while the team was at pre-season in Mumias early January, but head coach James Nandwa, confirmed to Capital Sport the striker has fully recovered.
“We trained today in the morning (Tuesday) since we arrived from South Africa and I’m happy to say that Wafula will be available for the return leg but (Allan) Wanga is still fighting it out with his injury but we will see by the end of the week how he will be doing,” Nandwa told.
The Harambee Stars assistant tactician was however, not happy after five of his key charges were called by his boss Adel Amrouche, for national duty for Stars in their Wednesday’s FIFA International friendly against Sudan, saying it will affect their game plan.
First choice keeper Wycliffe Kasaya, right back James Situma, midfielder Peter Opiyo, forwards Paul Were and Jacob Keli, all reported to the national team camp at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium ahead of their Tuesday night departure.
“We tried to plead with Football Kenya Federation to pull out our players since we have little time to prepare for our Confederations Cup, but they declined saying it’s a national issue and they must take part.
“We were left with no option but to release them and hope they don’t pick injuries, the good thing is I will be traveling along with them while the rest will keep on with the training under Mickey Weche,” he added.
This move has forced Ingwe to move their second leg tie to Sunday to at least give them ample time to prepare.
Ingwe who lost 2-0 to Matsatsantsa in the opening leg, will have to net three goals and keep a clean sheet to advance to the second round, something that Nandwa says is achievable.
“We want to settle in the match as quickly as possible and score goals in the first 15 minutes, I know it’s possible since their defence is shaky.
“We played very well in South Africa considering we were away after creating many chances so I believe we can overturn the results since we have the advantage of playing at our home ground.”
Leopards will also see dependable midfielder Opiyo, play in the crunch after missing the first leg since his travel documents were being held by the embassy of the country he had gone for trials.
Their opponents SuperSport United are due to arrive in the country in the course of the week.
