It’s all systems go for the National U20 football team, Rising Stars, ahead of the second leg Africa U20 Cup of Nations Qualifier against Rwanda.
The match is set to be played on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at the Stade Regional De Nyamirambo, in Kigali, starting 3.30 pm.
Kenya was held to a 1-1 draw by Rwanda in the first leg played on Sunday, April 1, 2018, at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Richard Odada had given the Rising Stars an early lead that was canceled out by Rague Byikingiro with less than a minute left on the clock.
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Coach Stanley Okumbi has made some notable inclusions in the team ahead of the match with an aim of outdoing Rwanda’s away goal advantage.
Mathare United forward John Mwangi and his Kariobangi Sharks counterpart Ovella Ochieng have been drafted into the squad. Goalkeeper Brian Bwire, defender Moses Mudavadi and Nzoia Sugar offensive midfielder Patrick Otieno have also been made the cut.
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Should Kenya master a win on aggregate against Rwanda, they will be in line to face Zambia in the second round, set to be played between May 11, and May 20, 2018.
Rising Stars Squad
Goalkeepers
Humphrey Katasi (Nzoia Sugar), Bryan Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks)
Defenders
Yusuf Mainge (AFC Leopards), Moses Mudavadi (St Anthony Kitale), Ezekiel Nyati (KCB), Boniface Onyango (Kakamega High), Brian Wepo (AcaKoro), Thomas Teka (Nzoia Sugar).
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Midfielders
Ndemi Keegan (Bandari FC), Erick Kipkirui (Kariobangi Sharks), Richard Odada (Unattached), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Fidel Origa (Kariobangi Sharks), Vincent Wasambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Patrick Otieno (Nzoia Sugar).
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Forwards
Sydney Lokale (Kariobangi Sharks), John Mwangi (Mathare United FC), Abraham Dawo (Police FC), Ovella Ochieng (Kariobangi Sharks), Austin Ochieng (Kayole Youth).