• "Yes, it hurts, but what I've learned in the camp over the few days I've been there will help me down the road. I want to wish my teammates well as they prepare to face Iran," Omalla said.
• The tough-talking Turkish gaffer peeled off 11 players from the original 34-man provisional squad summoned to camp a week ago.
Image: Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars head coach, Engin Firat, has unveiled the final 22-man squad that will take on Iran in an eagerly-anticipated friendly encounter on March 28.
The tough-talking Turkish gaffer peeled off 11 players from the original 34-man provisional squad summoned to camp a week ago.
Six more heads were sent rolling on Thursday, just a day after the axe fell on Leopards custodian Levis Opiyo, KCB fullback Maurice Ojwang and the Nzoia Sugar midfield duo of Joseph Mwangi and Hassan Beja.
Headlining the list of those who will be missing the flight to Tehran is Kenyan Premier League top scorer, Benson Omalla.
Despite the setback, Omalla hailed Firat for granting him the platform to hone his skills in the game he is so much passionate about.
"Yes, it hurts, but what I've learned in the camp over the few days I've been there will help me down the road. I want to wish my teammates well as they prepare to face Iran," Omalla said.
“I want to thank the coach and the entire technical bench for considering me for a national team selection. The call-up itself was a significant achievement, a testimony that the coach believes I have what it takes to fight for my country. Unfortunately, I did not make the final cut," he added.
The Gor Mahia FC sensation was nudged out of position by the experienced trio of Michael Olunga (Al Duhail, Qatar), Alfred Scriven (IL Hodd, Norway), and Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police).
Interestingly, Rupia is lagging behind Omalla in the goal scorers' leaderboard on the top-flight stage.
The Kenya Police talisman must score six more goals this season to draw level with Omalla, who has 19. Omalla has now vowed to light up the pitch in the remaining KPL fixtures, which resume next week.
“My focus now shifts to the Kenyan Premier League where we shall do all we can to deliver the title," he continued.
The clinical finisher is expected to lead the K'Ogalo onslaught against Vihiga Bullets at Moi Stadium, Kasarani on Wednesday.
Other early casualties of Firat's ruthless whip include Collins Shichenje (AIK, Sweden), Andrew Juma (Bandari) and Mohammed Siraj (Bandari).
Sichenje and Juma are reportedly nursing injuries.
The duo of Masoud Juma (Difaa El Jadidi, Morocco) and Kakamega Homeboyz skipper Moses Mudavadi, both of whom failed to report to camp, will also miss the trip. Alvin Mang'eni (Kenya Police) also misses out due to illness.
FINAL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Ian Otieno (Zesco), Bryne Odhiambo (KCB); Defenders: Joseph Okumu (Gent), Brian Mandela (Sundowns), Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela), Eric Ouma (AIK), David Ochieng (Mathare United), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg), Daniel Sakari (Tusker), Abud Omar (Kenya Police); Midfielders: Amos Nondi (Ararat), Richard Odada (Philadelphia Union), Teddy Akumu (Sagan Tosu), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Kenneth Muguna (Azam), Abdallah Hassan (Bandari), Duke Abuya (Kenya Police), Wilkims Ochieng (FC Koper), Victor Omune (AFC Leopards); Strikers: Elvis Rupia (Kenya Police), Alfred Scriven (IL Hodd), Michael Olunga (Al Duhai, Qatar).