Kenya U20 National team coach Stanley Okumbi has named the starting lineup for Sunday’s opening match of the CECAFA U20 Championships against Zanzibar in Uganda.
Kariobangi Sharks’ custodian Brian Bwire has been named in Goal and will have Alvin Ochieng, Boniface Mwangemi, John Otieno and Tome Teka for cover in defense.
Sydney Lokale will lead the goal hunt up front, with support from Wazito FC’s Musa Masika and Sharks forward Patrick Otieno.
The team arrived on Thursday and has held 3 training sessions. Ahead of the match, head coach Stanley Okumbi was optimistic of his side’s chances in the tournament.
“We are ready. The players are psyched up, and I am confident we’ll kick off on a positive note. We are in a tough group, but the players are ready for the challenge. We have a good squad and I don’t think we have any excuse of not getting a positive result,” he said.
The match kicks off at 2 pm EAT at the FUFA Technical Center in Jinja.
Starting XI
Brian Bwire, Alvin Ochieng, Bonface Mwangemi, Tom Teka, John Otieno, Fidel Origa, Joshua Nyatini, Patrick Otieno, John Njuguna, Musa Masika, Sydney Lokale.
Substitutes
Bixente Otieno, Brian Wepo, Alphonce Otieno, Peter Oudu, Chris Owino, Ronald Shichenje, Steve Otieno, Austine Otieno, Benson Omala.