Despite being unused in the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations-cum Olympics qualifiers, England-based and Emerging Stars forward Jonah Ayunga is content to have earned recognition from the Francis Kimanzi-led technical bench.
The towering forward, who turns for England’s fifth tier outfit Sutton United, was summoned for the two-leg qualifier against Mauritius but was unused in both matches despite putting up an impressive show with his club back in United Kingdom.
Ayunga was part of four foreign-based players who were called up for the two matches and despite failing to get competitive minutes on the pitch, he expressed satisfaction with the call up to the team.
Initially, Ayunga had been handed a call up to the national team, Harambee Stars’ provisional squad that was to play Sierra Leone in the return match a week ago only to be fused in the U-23 team after Fifa maintained its decision to have the West African nation barred from playing in the qualifiers.
“I was happy to be called up to play Sierra Leone but it did not happen. I was equally elated for the U-23 qualifier call up. It’s difficult to earn a national team call up when playing for the lower divisions in England and I am happy with my club for allowing me to come and play.”
The forward got his maiden call up in August 2016 after a switch to top tier side Brighton and Hove Albion, which saw the then head coach Stanley Okumbi include him in the squad for an international friendly fixture against neighbours Uganda and a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match away to Zambia in September.
After making it to the bench against Mauritius in Nairobi last week, Ayunga noted that the Kenyan style of play was different to the English version.
He said the Kenyan-based players were technical unlike his teammates who play a physical game.
“The standards of football in England are very high but it is a good experience back at home and I learned a lot. It’s a different sort of game altogether, England is more physical but here players are technically gifted with the way they move the ball. They looked good against Mauritius and got a good result.”
Kimanzi sought to explain why foreigners hardly make to his team.
“Their game is slightly different to the one we play around and language is also a factor. It takes a little long for them to adapt to our style although they are good. I am pleased with their qualities.”