The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has confirmed three build-up matches for the national team as they get ready for their next two qualifiers since South Sudan Federation has planned two friendly matches for Harambee Stars and Tanzania respectively.
They preparedfor friendly matches prior to their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Anthony John Loro, the Secretary General for South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) expected South Sudan Bright Stars to do their best in Nairobi on Saturday while taking on their first friendly match against Harambee Stars of Kenya. They will also play Tanzania in the same friendly matches.
“The delegates accompanying the Bright Stars team have arrived Nairobi ahead of Saturday Match with Kenya before Tanzania’s game”, he said.
According to FKF CEO Barry Otieno, Kenya under Coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee will host three matches at home starting with South Sudan on March 13, and then play neighbour Tanzania twice – on March 15 and 18 respectively.
“We have planned three friendly matches for the national team and all matches will be played at Kasarani against South Sudan on March 13, and then we face Tanzania twice on March 15 and 18,” Otieno told Goal on Wednesday.
“With most of the players featuring for their clubs [in the FKF Premier League], we feel the three matches will also give the technical bench time to gauge their preparedness as we have two vital Afcon qualifiers coming up, and we want the team to be ready for the task.”
Kenya, who are lying third in Group D of the qualifiers, are scheduled to face Egypt in Nairobi on March 22 before flying out to Lome for their final group tie against bottom placed Togo on March 30.
Kenya’s chances of reaching second successive Afcon finals were dealt a major blow after the team lost 2-1 away to Comoros in their last outing.
Coach Mulee has already named a provisional squad of local-based players to prepare for the qualifiers with AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia, Tusker’s Henry Meja, and Erick Kapaito of Kariobangi Sharks earning their first call ups after impressing in the top-tier.
Among the goalkeepers summoned are those who have also been good in the top-flight including James Saruni of Ulinzi Stars, Joseph Okoth of KCB, and Brian Bwire of Sharks.
Kenya’s provisional squad: Goalkeepers: Brian Bwire (Kariobangi Sharks), James Saruni (Ulinzi Stars), Joseph Okoth (KCB), Peter Odhiambo (Wazito).
Defenders: JohnstoneOmurwa (Wazito), Michael Kibwage (Sofapaka), Samuel Olwande (Kariobangi Sharks), NahashonAlambi (KCB), BonfaceOnyango (Kariobangi Sharks), David Owino (KCB), Daniel Sakari (Kariobangi Sharks), Baraka Badi (KCB).
Midfielders: Lawrence Juma (Sofapaka), Kenneth Muguna (GorMahia), Collins Shichenje (AFC Leopards), MichealMutinda (KCB), Musa Masika (Wazito), John Macharia (GorMahia), Reagan Otieno (KCB), James Mazembe (Kariobangi Sharks), Oliver Maloba (Nairobi City Stars), BonfaceMuchiri (Tusker), Kevin Kimani (Wazito), Abdalla Hassan (Bandari)
Forwards: Erick Kapaito (Kariobangi Sharks), Elvis Rupia (AFC Leopards), Henry Meja (Tusker), Benson Omalla (GorMahia).
Bright Stars Lineup:
GK – Ramadan Malakia FC
Ass- Majak Mawith Port Melbourne
Defenders:
- MajokBakMathiangAmarat United
- Godfrey OkelloAltona Magic
- Peter Maker (Captain) Amarat United
- Rehan Angier Munuki
- David OmotAtlabara United
- John Kuol Kariobangi
- Matwakil Yom Atlabara fc
Mid fielders:
- Ivan WaniBusonga United
- Dominic AbuiAlkhartoum
Forwards:
- Tito OkelloGorMahia fc
- Joseph KuchNyuarAmarat United
The matches will be played without spectators due to COVID -19 Pandemic protocols.
Source: Juba Monitor
