Tusker's budding gem Erambo survives chop as Firat names final Harambee Stars squad

Tusker FC talented midfielder Chris Erambo is one step closer to making his highly anticipated Harambee Stars debut following his inclusion to the list of traveling players for the Four Nations tournament set to take place in Malawi.

Erambo whose call-up to the national team excited the local fanbase, was among the final squad unveiled by coach Engin Firat that jetted out of the country on Thursday.

A highly-rated combative defensive midfielder, Erambo has lit up Kenyan Premier League matches with his unmatched exploits on the pitch, cementing his status as a first-team player in the Brewers’ lineup.

He joined the Ruaraka-based side from National Super League side Mombasa Elite at the start of the season.

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“I am happy to earn a national team call-up. It is a perfect moment to expose my skills to the world. I relish the opportunity. Featuring for the national team has always been my ambition since I began playing football,” Erambo stated in his first interview.

“I am thrilled the chance has finally come. I was not surprised when I received the call-up since I have been working hard in the league lately,” added the player looking to emulate Victor Wanyama's success on the pitch.

Besides Erambo, AFC Leopards’ utility man Kaycie Odhiambo has also been included in the final squad.

However, Murang'a Seal goalkeeper Bonphas Munyasa's dream of representing the national team was short-lived after he was dropped by Firat who opted to take Zambian-based Ian Otieno, Patrick Matasi and Bryne Omondi.

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Other players who were dropped include Bandari’s David Sakwa. Eric Marcelo will not also feature in the squad. The defender, who plays for Rakow Czestochowa, sustained an injury during their Polish top-flight match against Korona Kielce, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Rakow early this month.

Following Marcelo's omission, Gor Mahia skipper Geoffrey Onyango was included in the travelling squad. His injury forced Firat to change his whole game plan for the tournament as the Harambee Stars coach had planned to play the tournament with three defenders shifting from his normal style of play.

Firat's side will open their campaign against Malawi at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.

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Goalkeepers: Ian Otieno, Byrne Omondi, Patrick Matasi

Defenders: Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Alphonce Omija, Collins Sichenje,Daniel Anyembe, Abud Omar, Amos Nondi, Geoffrey Ochieng

Midfielders: Chrispine Erambo, Richard Odada,Kenneth Muguna, Kaycie Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Ayub Timbe, Anthony Akumu,  Eric Johanna

Forwards: Michael Olunga, Jonah Ayunga, Benson Omalla, John Avire

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