Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi has been handed a major boost ahead of Sunday 8 September international friendly match against Uganda after china based winger, Ayub Timbe reported to camp.
There were fears that the Beijing Renhe man may miss the match as his club was reportedly reluctant to release him. He checked in at the team’s residential camp on Wednesday afternoon but didn’t train with the rest of the team. He will take part in training on Thursday morning.
Football Kenya Federation have confirmed Timbe’s arrival in a statement posted on the federation’s website.
“The Kenya National team, Harambee Stars, has been boosted by the arrival of all foreign-based players initially called up ahead of the scheduled friendly match against Uganda. This as the team entered its third day of training on Wednesday ahead of Sunday’s match. China-based Ayub Timbe, who jetted in on Wednesday afternoon, sat out the team’s evening session but will be available on Thursday morning as preparations hit top gear,” read the statement in part.
Meanwhile, Captain Victor Wanyama, Sweden based defender Joseph Okumu and Wazito’s Bernard Ochieng have pulled out of the squad. Wanyama and Ochieng are said to be carrying injuries while Okumu has been given more time to settle at his new club, IF Elfsborg.
Harambee Stars Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (St. George), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks), Faruk Shikalo (Young Africans)
Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Wazito), Evans Kibwage (KCB), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia), Brian Otieno (Bandari), Hillary Wandera (Tusker), Erick Ouma (Vasalunds), Amai Atariza (Bandari), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks)
Midfielders: Francis Kahata (Simba), Boniface Muchiri (Tusker), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Kariobangi Sharks), Collins Agade (Bandari), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Beijing Renhe), Cliff Nyakeya (FC Masr), Erick Johanna Omondi (IF Brommapojkarma), Moses Mudavadi (Kakamega Homeboyz), Whyvone Isuza (AFC Leopards)
Forwards: Michael Olunga (Kashiwa Reysol), Jesse Were (Zesco United), Enosh Ochieng (Ulinzi Stars)