Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee seems to be moving away into a new generation of players as he omitted most of the players who were part of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad in his team for next month’s world cup qualifiers.

Midfielder Victor Wanyama, winger Ayub Timbe and defender Joash Onyango are among the notable names missing as the tactician named the squad to face Uganda in the first qualification match on September 2 in Nairobi.

Wanyama and Timbe missed out over the last two matches against Egypt and Togo for the national team and at that time, the reason fronted was the difficulty in travel due to COVID-19 restrictions at that time.

But, the tactician now seems to be completely forgetting about them despite the fact that Wanyama has been in sizzling form, captaining Major League Soccer (MLS) side CF Montreal in Canada.

Onyango’s inclusion is also a surprise as the defender has had a stellar campaign with Tanzanian side Simba SC.

The tactician has maintained his new captain Michael Olunga in the team while Sweden based Eric Johannah makes a return after missing the last two games.

Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee

Meanwhile, the tactician has handed maiden call ups to Serbian based midfielder Richard Odada as well as second tier side FC Talanta midfielder Enock Momanyi.

“This is a strong group of players, we have a superb blend of experience, youth, ability, and personalities. This is a group of players who have what it takes to start well against Uganda and go all the way,” Mulee said as he named his squad.

Also making it into the squad is Tusker FC skipper Eugene Asike who has been pivotal in the brewers’ campaign to clinch the Kenyan Premier League title. Teammate Jackson Macharia has also been included.

Gor Mahia defender Frank Odhiambo has also earned his first ever senior call up after impressing for the Under-23 team during the CECAFA Challenge Cup last month.

AFC Leopards’ Brian Wanyama controls the ball under pressure from Gor Mahia’s Frank Odhiambo

Local-based players report for camp on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, while their foreign-based counterparts are expected to start arriving from Monday, August 30, 2021.

Harambee Stars play Uganda at 3pm on September 2, 2021, at Nyayo Stadium, after which they will travel to face Rwanda September 5, 2021 in KIgali.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Ian Otieno (Zesco United, Zambia), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars, Kenya), Joseph Okoth (KCB, Kenya), Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Brandon Obiero (Kariobangi Sharks)

Defenders

Joseph Okumu (KAA Gent, Belgium), Eric Ouma (AIK, Sweden), Eugene Asike (Tusker, Kenya), Nashon Alembi (KCB, Kenya), Harun Shakava (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Andrew Juma (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Siraj Mohammed (Bandari, Kenya), Clyde Senaji (AFC Leopards, ), Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Bolton Omwenga (Nairobi City Stars, Kenya), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Baraka Badi (KCB, Kenya)

Midfielders

Richard Odada (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Duke Abuya (Nkana, Zambia), Duncan Otieno (Lusaka Warriors, Zambia), Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka, Kenya), Kenneth Muguna (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Kevin Kimani (Wazito, Kenya), Patillah Omoto (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Enock Momanyi (FC Talanta, Kenya), Jackson Macharia (Tusker, Kenya), Eric Johanna (Jonkopings Sondra IF, Sweden) Boniface Muchiri (Tusker, Kenya), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari, Kenya)

Forwards

Michael Olunga (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Masud Juma (Difaâ Hassani El Jadidi, Morocco), Cliffton Miheso (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Samuel Onyango (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Benson Omalla (Gor Mahia, Kenya).