It’s Joash vs Salah

An epic duel is expected between Liverpool star and Joash Onyango today when Harambee Stars host multiple continental champions Egypt in a must-win 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group G qualifying match at Kasarani from 7pm.

Onyango who currently plies his trade for Tanzania giants Simba, who coincidentally stunned Egypt champions Al Ahly 1-0, will be marshaling the defence in the absence of injured Joseph Okumu and Brian Mandela, and this puts him into direct confrontation with the lethal goal-poacher who has scored 90 goals in 135 appearances for English Premier League champions Liverpool. 

Harambee Stars head coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee is most likely to pair Onyango with untested Johnstone Omurwa, then pick Daniel Sakari on the right back slot, with Eric Ouma as the left full back.

The tactician has asserted that his side has nothing to fear ahead of facing the heavyweights whom Kenya forced to a draw in the opening qualifier in 2019.

Mulee, coming from a rare two-match winning streak last week against South Sudan and Tanzania in their international friendly build-up matches, says his squad is up to the task despite facing a higher-ranked side.

“I can assure you we are going to defend our country. This is war,” Ghost declared.

“It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, ours is to fight until the end. I know many have already ruled us out, my warning is it is not over yet,” added the veteran tactician.

Ghost has already weighed in his options, knowing a victory against the Pharaohs will rejuvenate Kenya’s chances.

Currently Kenya are third in the group on three points, compared to leaders Egypt and second placed Comoros who have eight points apiece, but Stars still have a mathematical chance of topping the group.

“The match is very crucial for us. We beat Egypt and we are back in competition,” he said.

For Ghost, the two remaining matches will be like finals for his side who he believes will get the work done.

“So for those in doubt, we can’t afford to let the country down. We can’t afford to disappoint our sponsors who have stuck with the team all through.

The sentiments of the coach were echoed by his new skipper Michael Olunga who said the new-look side is hungry with a lot to play for.

Taking the captaincy from Victor Wanyama is yet another memorable moment for the forward.

“It is a huge honour to get a call up to represent your country. Getting the rare opportunity to lead the troops to war is a dream many can only dream about, I am extremely happy to have been given the armband.

I intend to give my all on the pitch,” stated the finisher who scooped last season’s Most Valuable Player and the ‘Golden Boot’ accolades while plying trade for Kashiwa Reysol in the J-1 League.

For the striker, it is not important who will partner him in attack, getting results seems to be the bigger target.

“It’s not my work to tell who I will play with, that is the coach’s job, mine is to give my best when in the team and I know my teammates are ready for the job. 

“We are all aware of the important job ahead of us. I believe everyone here is ready. All the players are to do their best and fight for this nation,” he stated.

For the two matches starting with tonight, Ghost says he is planning to play without defender Joseph Okumu and Erick Kapaito who are out injured.

“Okumu picked a knock while turning up for his Swedish side IF Elfsborg while Kapaito pulled his hamstring in training.

While both are not very serious, they will not make it for the two matches which are very unfortunate,” said Ghost.

The tactician disclosing he will start the dependable Joash Onyango who turns up for Tanzania side Simba in the central defense alongside one of the new players. Wazito FC’s Johnstone Omurwa most likely the potential partner of Onyango.