Matasi not in Kimanzi’s picks for new First Eleven
Ethiopia-based first choice goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is among the surprise exclusions from Harambee Stars’ final squad for the upcoming international friendly match against Mozambique at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani on October 13.
Matasi, who plays for St. Georges of Ethiopia, featured for Stars’ at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt and was involved in an international friendly against Uganda Cranes in Nairobi in early September.
Besides Matasi, other players who were in the squad against Uganda but did not make the cut are Ayub Timbe who turns out for Chinese Super League side Beijing Rhene, KCB defender Michael Kibwage, Tusker’s Boniface Muchiri, Francis Kahata of Tanzanian giants Dar Simba and Ulinzi Stars striker Enos Ochieng’.
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Those recalled are former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Ian Otieno of Zambian top-tier league side Red Arrows and Wazito defender Johnstone Omurwa.
Apparently, Omurwa was re-drafted in the squad by head coach Francis Kimanzi due to his cameo debut against Cranes in which Stars were held to a one-all draw by the visitors.
Fast-rising Tusker defender Hilary Wandera received his first call-up while Yusuf Mainge, who is on loan at Slovakia side FKF Pohronie from AFC Leopards, has been summoned after being in and out of the national team.
Other new faces are Ulinzi Stars goalkeeper Timothy Odhiambo and Samuel Olwande of Kariobangi Sharks.
