Harambee Stars players in a past photo.They play Burundi in the Cecafa senior challenge semifinals on Thursday afternoon in Kisumu(Photo/citizentv.co.ke)
National soccer team Harambee Stars head coach Paul Put has unveiled his squad that will tackle Burundi in the first semi-finals of the Cecafa senior challenge to be played on Thursday evening at the Moi Stadium Kisumu.
Veteran playmaker Crispin Oduor has been benched and his position taken by pacy AFC Leopards anchorman Whyvonne Isuza.
Posta Rangers custodian Patrick Matasi will begin between the sticks while Mussa Mohammed, Dennis Sikhayi, Wesley Onguso and Joackins Atudo will headline the defence.
Isuza will partner with Ernest Wendo and Patillah Omotto in the midfield while the evergreen Ovellah Ochieng will link up with George 'BlackBerry' Odhiambo and Wilson Oburu in the hunt for goals.
Here is the full squad.
Starting XI: Patrick Matasi (GK), Dennis Sikhayi, Jockins Atudo, Musa Mohammed (c), Wesley Onguso, Patillah Omotto, Ernest Wendo, Whyvonne Issuza, Ovella Ochieng, George Odhiambo, Vincent OburuSubstitutes Boniface Oluoch, Gabriel Andika, Said Tsuma, Benard Ochieng, Masoud Juma, Crispin Oduor, Wellington Ochieng, Charles Momanyi, Isaac Kipyegon, Duncan Otieno, Kepha Aswani, Samuel Onyango.
Stars stormed into the semi-finals after finishing top of Group A with eight points following two wins and two draws.
The other semi-final will see holders Uganda Cranes battle it out with surprise package Zanzibar on a day after at the same venue.
The finals will be staged this Sunday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.