Ochieng dropped as Stars depart for Uganda tie

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Fırat has dropped Club Brugge midfielder Wilkims Ochieng in his final squad which jetted out today morning for Entebbe ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier match against Uganda.

The midfielder dreamt of a debut in national team colours when he spoke on Tuesday after their final training at Nyayo National Stadium.

"I found hard training in this kind of ground which is new to me but I hope to do my best when given a chance by the coach in the two matches," said Ochieng.

According to the 24-man squad released, Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews has also been left out along with defender Philemon Otieno while Cliff Nyakeya and Samuel Onyango were added in the last-minute changes.

Rookie Nairobi City Stars midfielder Timothy “Babu” Ouma made it to the final squad together with Armenia-based Alwyn Tera and Georgia-based Amos Nondi, as well as the returning duo of Anthony Akumu and Eric Johanna.

Doubtful Richard Odada who came with a knock from his base in Serbia also made the cut together with Duke Abuya and Azam FC midfielder Kenneth Muguna.

The squad comprises of only two strikers where captain Michael Olunga and Japanese based Ismail Dunga will be hunting goals for Stars.

Stars will hold its final training session later in the evening at the match venue.

Uganda are still in course to claim the only playoff slot of the group with 8 points after four matches and a win against Kenya will boost their morale ahead of the last game next week.

Mali lead with 10 points while Kenya and Rwanda complete the log with two and one point respectively.

Full Squad

Defenders: Joseph Okumu, Musa Mohamed, Abud Omar, Johnstone Omurwa, David Ochieng, Eric Ouma

Midfielders: Amos Nondi, Abdallah Hasan, Richard Odada, Anthony Wanbani, Kenneth Muguna, Duke Abuya, Alwyn Tera, Anthony Akumu, Cliff Nyakeya, Eric Johanna Omondi, Timothy Ouma, Samuel Onyango, Clifton Miheso

Forwards: Michael Olunga, Ismael Dunga