CHAN 2016:Victor Ali Abondo to start against Walia Ibex of Ethiopia

by
Collins Okinyo
June 19, 2015

By Bonface Osano,

The great hue and cry that greeted the news that Gor Mahia’s mercurial attacking midfielder Victor Ali “Teargas” Abondo had been left out of Kenya’s Harambee Stars final squad that played to 1-1 draw against Congo last weekend, was a clearer testament of a player who has let his work speak for him.

The clamor for his inclusion in the team that did duty away in Congo in the AFCON 2017 qualifier match was a cross board, most of Kenyan Premier League enthusiasts who have watched him tear opponents apart week in week out wanted him to replicate the same form for the national team.

Their dreams were however invalid as the no nonsense Stars coach, the Scotsman Bobby Williamson stuck to his away game plan that did not include not only Abondo but also AFC Leopards danger man Jacob Keli. To those who understands the game better, Bobby’s decision was no brainer for what mattered most away against experienced side like Congo was a draw.

On return, Abondo was immediately recalled back to the Stars squad that excluded foreign based players to prepare for another away match in the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) qualifier against Ethiopia this weekend.

Impeccable league form

Abondo’s return to Gor Mahia from Tusker in the 2015 season to many has been like a renaissance of un imaginable proportions, the soft spoken former Bandari and Sony FC attacking midfielder has left fans mesmerized with his predatory tendencies in front of goal. His positioning and great eye for goal coupled with strong right foot known for lethal strikes that has left many opponent’s goal keepers stunned are second to none.

By the mid season break after 15 fixtures “Teargas” sits pretty joint top on the scorers chart with nine goals. He will be expected to lead Harambee Stars’ attacking force from the right right flunk come Sunday 21st against the Walia’s of Ethiopia at the dreaded Bahir Dar stadium known for sellout crowds.

Tusker skipper Jesse Jackson Were who has scored seven times and Gor’s young star Michael Olunga who has scored eight times are a sure choice to partner upfront in search for goals. Olunga played the entire match against Congo giving a good account of himself even though he was guilty of a couple of missed clear cut scoring opportunities.

The midfield is likely to be marshaled by Tusker’s duo of Kevin Kimani and Hamphrey Mieno and Gor’s Collins Okoth “Gattuso”. The defense may miss the services of Musa Mohammed of Gor Mahia, the defender picked a knock in training and could be replaced by Lloyd Wahome of Tusker. Edwin Wafula and Jackson Saleh of AFC Leopards and Aboud Omar formerly of Tusker to complete the back line.

The safe pair of hands of Boniface Oluoch who boasts of ten clean sheets in the league this far will for sure man Stars goal posts despite a shaky display against Congo last weekend. The Gor Mahia keeper was a bundle of nerves against the “Red Devils” a fact he admitted while promising a better show if given another chance.

The Harambee Stars team will leave for Addis Ababa tomorrow Friday June 19th 2015.

The Squad in Camp.

Goalkeepers: Boniface Oluoch (Gor Mahia), Ian Otieno (Posta Rangers), Boniface Baraza (Posta Rangers)

Defenders: Edwin Wafula (AFC Leopards), Brian Birgen (Ulinzi Stars), Sammy Meja (Thika Meja), David Gateri (Bandari), Aboud Omar (Unattached), Jackson Saleh (AFC Leopards), Musa Mohamed (Gor Mahia),Lloyd Wahome (Tusker)

Midfielders: Ali Abondo (Gor Mahia), Kevin Kimani (Tusker), Collins Okoth (Gor Mahia), Humphrey Mieno (Tusker), Anthony Ndolo (Sofapaka), Bernard Mang’oli , Timonah Wanyonyi (AFC Leopards) Eric Johanna (Mathare United)

Strikers: Michael Olunga (Gor Mahia), Jesse Were (Tusker), Peter Nzuki (Nakumatt), Jacob Keli, Noah Wafula, (AFC Leopards).

Find me on twitter @bonfaceosano

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com