Emerging Stars coach Antony ‘Modo’ Kimani has backed his squad to cope with the absence of several key players as Kenya face Tanzania in the first leg of their U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nyayo Stadium on Monday.
Kimani’s plans have been disrupted by injuries, age eligibility issues and passport complications, with Gor Mahia duo Paul Ochuoga and Bryton Onyona among those ruled out of the 3pm kick-off.
“We will miss the services of some important players who were part of our provisional squad. Unfortunately, we have had a few challenges that have forced us to make changes,” Kimani said.
Some players picked up injuries, while others were found to be overage or did not have the required passports, forcing the coach to adjust his initial plans.
“Some of the players picked up injuries, while others were found to be overage. We also had players who did not have passports, and that made it difficult for us to include them in the final squad,” he said.
The absence of Ochuoga and Onyona has reduced Kimani’s options, but the coach believes the players retained in the final squad can fill the gaps.
“Of course, when you lose players who were part of your plans, it is never easy because you had identified them for specific roles in the team,” he said.
Kimani has several players to turn to, including Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Collins Omondi and foreign-based custodian Mateo Ochieng of Providence College.
He also singled out US-based goalkeeper Mateo Buyu for praise, describing the 21-year-old as a player with great potential.
The coach is hoping the depth available to him will help Kenya negotiate the tie despite the late changes to his squad.
“However, we have been working with the players available to us, and I believe they understand what is expected of them. We have enough depth to cover the positions where we have lost players.”
In defence, Kimani will look to the likes of Ian Onyango of Mathare United, Tusker pair Collins Ochieng and Wyckliffe Omondi, Kenya Police’s Francis Okoth and Joseph Bate of Nairobi United.
Midfield provides further options through Omar Ateek of Mathare United, Kevin Wangaya of Nairobi United, Madada Kelly of AFC Leopards and Oliver Machaka of Kenya Police, while foreign-based Andreas Odhiambo, Jack Onganya and Irad Mshindi add to his choices.
Up front, Dancan Oluoch and Syphas Owuor of Nairobi United, Bandari’s Lawrence Okoth and Tusker’s Telena Ochieng are among the local options, with foreign-based Jeremy Bisau, Brooklyn Kazungu, Paul Osama, Henry Omollo and Hassan Beja also included.
“We have a group of players who are willing to work hard and give their best for the country. The important thing is for everyone to understand their role and execute the game plan,” Kimani said.
Kenya will be seeking a positive result at Nyayo before travelling to Tanzania for the return leg at Uhuru Stadium on October 10. The aggregate winner will advance to the second round of the qualifiers, where they will face Côte d’Ivoire.
“We know the importance of playing at home and getting a good result before travelling for the return leg. We have to approach the match with the right mentality and make the most of our opportunities,” Kimani said.
With some of his preferred options unavailable, the coach is now counting on those who remain to deliver against Tanzania.
“Our focus is on the players we have and what they can deliver. We respect Tanzania, but we are confident in our preparations and will go into the match determined to get a positive result,” he said.
FINAL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Krammer Caleb (Ado Den Haag), Mateo Ochieng (Providence College), Collins Omondi (Kariobangi Sharks).
Defenders: Ian Onyango (Mathare United), Collins Ochieng (Tusker), Francis Okoth (Kenya Police), Baron Ochieng (Unattached), Wyckliffe Omondi (Tusker), Joseph Bate (Nairobi United), Price Omenda (Murang’a Seal).
Midfielders: Omar Ateek (Mathare United), Kevin Wangaya (Nairobi United), Madada Kelly (AFC Leopards), Oliver Machaka (Kenya Police), Andreas Odhiambo (Enköpings SK), Jack Onganya (Cadiz), Irad Mshindi (Leipja).
Forwards / Attackers: Dancan Oluoch (Nairobi United), Lawrence Okoth (Bandari), Syphas Owuor (Nairobi United), Collins Okello (Unattached), Jeremy Bisau (SD Huesca), Telena Ochieng (Tusker), Brooklyn Kazungu (MK Dons), Paul Osama (Enköpings SK), Henry Omollo (Mufulira Wanderers), Hassan Beja (Red Castleue SC).
