Michael Olunga. | image source: the-star.co.ke
Harambee Stars coach Bobby Williamson has named his starting XI for the AFCON 2017 qualifier match against Zambia which will kick off at 1600h at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Kenya needs needs to win the match so as to better it chances of qualifying after drawing 1-1 away to Congo Brazzaville in June. Congo Brazzaville currently leads the Group with 4 points after winning 4-2 away to Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.
Williamson has named 8 foreign-based players in starting line up with Dennis Oliech partnering Gor Mahia strirker Michael Olunga in attack.
David "Cheche" Ochieng', who was expected to start in defence will be on the bench as Williamson has preferred a back four of David "Calabar" Owino, Lawrence Olum, Dennis Odhiambo and Brian Mandela.
In midfield, the Scotsman has also picked Gor Mahia's Collins "Gattuso" Okoth ahead of Johanna Omollo. Also in midfield is want-away Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama and he and Okoth will be flanked by Ayub Timbe and Paul Were who got Kenya's goal in the away match against Congo.
Kenya will be meeting Zambia for the 35th time and will be looking to get their first win against the Chipolopolo for the first time since a 2-1 success in 2001.
Zambia, who have defeated Kenya 22 times and lost only 6 times, won the last fixture between the two sides 2-0 in November 2009.
The full Harambee Stars line up is as follows.
STARTING XI: 1. Arnold Origi (GK) - 15. David "Calabar" Owino, 17. Lawrence Olum, 5. Brian Mandela, 3. Dennis Odhiambo - 12. Victor Wanyama (C), 13. Collins "Gattuso" Okoth, 7. Ayub Timbe, 16. Paul Were - 10 .Dennis Oliech, 14. Michael Olunga
SUBSTITUTES: Boniface Oluoch, 4. David "Cheche" Ochieng, 8. Bernard Mang’oli, 6. Johanna Omolo, 9. Noah Wafula, 2. Jesse Were, 11.Allan Wanga