Four-Nations Tournament: Firat hands duo Harambee Stars’ debut

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has handed Chrispine Erambo and Vincent Mahiga their national debuts.

AFC Leopards Mahiga was a late inclusion in the team and has gone on to earn his debut as Kenya prepare to tackle Malawi in a Four-Nations duel at the Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday evening.

Tusker’s Erambo has been a sensational star in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, and that earned him his first call-up, which has resulted in his debut for Harambee Stars.

Meanwhile, Patrick Matasi has been preferred in goal as Bryne Odhiambo, who returned from an injury spell, is benched. On the bench is also Ian Otieno.

Daniel Anyembe has been slotted in as one of the defenders, as Johnstone Omurwa and Joseph Okumu are lined up at the heart of the defence.

In what is seen as a compact and solid midfield, Firat has chosen more defensive-minded players for that department. Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, and Erambo will take charge of the midfield.

Kenneth Muguna, who is one of the best-attacking midfielders in the country now, has been benched.

Returning Ayub Timbe has been handed a starting slot, with Gor Mahia’s Rooney Onyango handed duties to operate from the other flank.

Olunga leads

Captain Michael Olunga will spearhead Kenya’s goal-scoring mission against the Malawi Flames. The Al Duhail SC striker had been injured but recently returned to action with the Qatari side.

As Olunga starts, Gor Mahia’s Benson Omala and John Avire, who is back to the Harambee Stars’ set-up since 2019, will hope to get a taste of the action from the bench.

Harambee Stars Starting XI: Patrick Matasi, Johnstone Omurwa, Joseph Okumu, Daniel Anyembe, Vincent Mahiga, Anthony Akumu, Richard Odada, Chrispine Erambo, Rooney Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga

Subs: Ian Otieno, Bryne Odhiambo, Amos Nondi, Sharif Musa, Alphonse Ouma, Kayci Otieno, Kenneth Muguna, John Avire, Benson Omala, Collins Sichenje, Geoffrey Okoth, Jonah Ayunga

Malawi Starting XI: Brighton Munthali, Stanley Sanudi, Denis Chembezi, Adesope Okedina, Banega Aaron, Idana Chimwemwe, Dinho Mpingajira, Chawanagwa Kaonga, Gabadinho Mhango

Subs: Innocent Nyasulu, John Mwase, Mwayi Kumwenda, Patrick Macheso, Patrick Mwaungulu, John Banda, Dominic Nyaliwa, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Chifundo Mphasi, Chrispine Mapemba, Yamikani Mologeni, Lawrence Chaziya