Kenya's Emerging Stars coach Antony 'Modo' Kimani is confident that his squad can cope with the absence of several key players as they face Tanzania in the first leg of their U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Nyayo Stadium on Monday. The match is set to kick off at 3 pm. Kimani's plans have been disrupted by injuries, age eligibility issues, and passport complications, with Gor Mahia duo Paul Ochuoga and Bryton Onyona among those ruled out.
Kimani revealed that some players picked up injuries, while others were found to be overage or did not have the required passports, forcing him to adjust his initial plans. "We will miss the services of some important players who were part of our provisional squad," he said. The coach expressed disappointment but emphasized that the team has enough depth to cover the positions where they have lost players.
The absence of Ochuoga and Onyona has reduced Kimani's options, but he believes the players retained in the final squad can fill the gaps. Kimani singled out US-based goalkeeper Mateo Buyu for praise, describing the 21-year-old as a player with great potential. He also mentioned Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper Collins Omondi and foreign-based custodian Mateo Ochieng of Providence College as key players.
In defense, Kimani will look to the likes of Ian Onyango of Mathare United, Tusker pair Collins Ochieng and Wyckliffe Omondi, Kenya Police's Francis Okoth, and Joseph Bate of Nairobi United. Midfield provides further options through Omar Ateek of Mathare United, Kevin Wangaya of Nairobi United, Madada Kelly of AFC Leopards, and Oliver Machaka of Kenya Police.
The team's midfield options are bolstered by foreign-based players Andreas Odhiambo, Jack Onganya, and Irad Mshindi. Up front, Dancan Oluoch and Syphas Owuor of Nairobi United, Bandari's Lawrence Okoth, and Tusker's Telena Ochieng are among the local options, with foreign-based Jeremy Bisau, Brooklyn Kazungu, Paul Osama, Henry Omollo, and Hassan Beja also included.
Kimani emphasized that the team's focus is on the players they have and what they can deliver. He expressed respect for Tanzania but confidence in their preparations, stating that they will go into the match determined to get a positive result. The coach highlighted the importance of playing at home and getting a good result before traveling for the return leg.
The aggregate winner of the tie will advance to the second round of the qualifiers, where they will face Côte d'Ivoire. Kenya will be seeking a positive result at Nyayo before traveling to Tanzania for the return leg at Uhuru Stadium on October 10. The final squad includes goalkeepers Krammer Caleb, Mateo Ochieng, and Collins Omondi, among others.
Key points
- Kenya's Emerging Stars face Tanzania in the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
- Coach Antony 'Modo' Kimani confident in his squad despite missing key players
- The aggregate winner will advance to the second round of the qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire
