Rising Stars coach hands Koloti start against Zimbabwe
By Collins Amanga, March 22, 2024
Rising Stars assistant coach Anthony Akhulia has named his squad that will tackle Zimbabwe in the Four Nations opening match set for Malawi on Friday evening.
The coach has handed Issa Emuria a start in goal and he is guarded by Baron Ochieng, Masinza Junior, Opande Faiz and Suleiman Manzur.
Rising Stars mid
Stanley Omondi, Timoth Ouma are set for central midfield duties with Elly Owande, Munyao Linus and Hassan Kitsao set to support Christopher Koloti in attack.
Unfortunately, Zambia, the highest-ranked team, has withdrawn from the event, resulting in a reduced number of participating teams. The tournament will now feature Zimbabwe and Malawi alongside Kenya’s Rising Stars.
The Rising stars will then play Malawi on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Bingu National Stadium.
This tournament holds significant importance as it serves as a platform to develop and showcase elite youth talent.
Additionally, it acts as crucial preparation for the upcoming 2024 AFCON Under-20 qualifiers later this year.
Rising Stars coach absence
Rising Stars coach Salim Babu could not travel with the team owing to a hitch in his travel documents. Consequently, his assistant, Akhulia, will serve as head coach for the team in the competition.
The boys are fully boiled. Let’s do this, #RisingStars pic.twitter.com/uDql1zgb2V
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) March 22, 2024
Harambee Stars are also in Malawi for tournament and they held a light training session on Friday afternoon, hours after they arrived in Malawi for a four-nation tournament.
The arrival in camp of AFC Leopards left-back Vincent Mahiga and Gor Mahia winger Sharif Musa has boosted the Harambee Stars camp.
The duo were called up late to camp in place of Abud Omar and Eric Johanna who were released on Thursday morning.
Rising Stars Fixtures
Friday, March 22, 2024
- Kenya vs Zimbabwe (Bingu National Stadium, 3 pm)
Sunday, March 24, 2024
- Malawi vs. Kenya (Bingu National Stadium, 3 pm)
Rising Stars Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Ibrahim Wanzala, Issa Emuria,
Defenders
Baron Ochieng, Junior Masinza, Faiz Ouma, Manzur Okwaro, Paul Ochuoga, Joshua Onyango, Joseph Bate, Collins Ochieng
Midfielders
Stanley Wilson, Timothy Noor, Sigmunn Maina, Andres Odhiambo, Ryan Ogam, Dalphene Ezekiah, Hassan Beja, Linus Munyao, Tyrone Kariuki, James Gachago, Elly Owande
Forwards
Christopher Koloti, Syphas Otieno
Harambee Stars Final Squad
Goalkeepers
Ian Otieno, Byrne Omondi, Patrick Matasi
Defenders
Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje,Daniel Anyembe, Amos Nondi, Geoffrey Ochieng, Vincent Mahiga
Midfielders
Chrispine Erambo, Richard Odada, Kenneth Muguna, Kaycie Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Anthony Akumu, Shariff Musa
Forwards
Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, John Avire