Kenya coach Sebastien Migne has hit out at Victor Wanyama for snubbing a call to face Ghana on Saturday.
The Tottenham midfielder was among the 38 players summoned for the decisive Afcon qualifier but did not turn up. Despite Migne acknowledging that Wanyama was not fit to face the Black Stars, he has questioned the players’ decision not to show up for assessment.
“Wanyama should have traveled to Kenya so that our medical staff can assess his injury. We should be a bit professional in such situations. Even Hugo Lloris is injured but he reported to the French camp. We should change such attitudes going forward,” Migne told Goal.
The Kenyan captain is lacking match fitness and has not played for his club since the English Premier League (EPL) began on August 10. The midfielder sustained a knee injury during Tottenham’s tour of the USA last year and was just coming back before picking another injury in pre-season.
Wanyama has officially been ruled out of the match. “I will only work with the available players for now and my focus is to beat Ghana on Saturday.”
Migne is also saddened that out of the 38 players called to camp, only 24 had turned up. “It is a shame that out of the 38 players called up for national team duty only 24 turned up. I have given them until end of today (Wednesday), and if they don’t show up, they will not be considered for the match.”
Final Squad;
Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi, Farouk Shikalo and Ian Otieno.
Defenders: Philemon Otieno, Jockins Atudo, Dennis Odhiambo, Joash Onyango, Benard Ochieng, Abud Omar, David Ochieng, Eric Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Musa Mohammed and David Owino.
Midfielders: Francis Kahata, Abdallah Hassan, Anthony Akumu, Eric Johanna, Ismail Gonzalez and Johanna Omollo.
Forwards: Piston Mutamba, Jesse Were, Michael Olunga and Ovella Ochieng.
–Goal