Kenya Coach Drops Five Ahead Of CECAFA Cup Kick-Off

Kenya coach Twahir Muhidin has named his final 20 players ahead of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

Those dropped include Gor Mahia midfielder Ibrahim Kitawi, Hillary Echesa, who turns out for Tanzanian Simba, IFK Mariehamn’s Amos Chona, Ulinzi Stars forward Evans Amuoka and Tuskers captain Jerry Santos.

Muhiddin retained last year’s Kenya Premier League top scorer, Francis Ouma, who joined the team on Thursday morning from his Portuguese base.

Other internationals in the team who played against Nigeria in the 2010 qualifiers two weeks ago include defenders Edgar Ochieng, George Owino and John Njoroge.

In goal, Finland-based Willis Ochieng, who has proved himself dependable, is expected to start.

The Kenyan side will also have an experienced attack consisting of Allan Wanga, out of contract with Angola club Petro Atletico and Patrick Oboya (Siad Most FK).

Gor Mahia’s composed midfielder, Peter Opiyo, who came out strongly in the latter stages of the qualifiers against Nigeria, is back from trials in German and will be directing traffic in midfield.

Full squad:

Keepers: Willis Ochieng (IFK Mariehamn, Finland), Wilson Oburu (Sofapaka) & David Okello (Thika United).

Defenders: Edgar Ochieng (Mathare United), Pascal Ochieng (KCB), Julius Owino – Captain & Chris Wekesa (Gor Mahia), Jockins Atudo (Tusker FC), George Owino & John Njoroge (Yanga, Tanzania) & Ibrahim Shikanda (Azam FC, Tanzania).

Midfielders: James Situma (Sofapaka), Peter Opiyo (Gor Mahia), Jamal Mohamed (Unattached) & Patrick Oboya (Banik Most)

Strikers: Allan Wanga (Ex Petro Atletico), George Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Francis Ouma (Ex Azam FC), Lawrence Owino (Ulinzi), & John Baraza (Sofapaka).