We are still far from being the best- Kenya coach Sebastian Migne

The Africans will be without their full strength side in the upcoming tournament in Mumbai. 

Ahead of the Intercontinental Cup next month, Kenya registered their first win under new boss Sebastien Migne, with a narrow 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Monday. 

“We’ve a lot of work to do since we are still far from being the best. We’ve to stay humble, enjoy the victory, yes, but focus on future assignments as we need some time together to be fully operational,” told Kenyan newspaper Daily Nation.

“I know some players need time to rest for club duties and we might travel to India without them, but we will give our best," he added.

Following his comments, the Kenya squad for the Intercontinental Cup was announced and the likes of midfielder Victor Wanyama, star striker Michael Olunga, Whyvonne Isuza and Jafari Owiti were not included in the party that will be visiting India for the tournament.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed the 23-man squad that would be travelling to India for the for the international friendly competition. The announcement of the squad was met with a degree of disappointment as it was confirmed that some of Kenya’s biggest names would not make it to India.

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“We are in the process of exposing our players to many international matches to gain experience as we await Ghana in September. The new coach also needs time to understand his team and it’s only through such games that he will be able to know the players’ strengths and weaknesses,” said Murithi Nabea, the Chairman of the Kenyan FA's Technical Committee, to  Nation Sport on Tuesday.

Kenya's ace midfielder, Wanyama also shed some light on his absence from the tour of the subcontinent. “I have spoken to the coach (Sebastian Migne) about it. I think my club has also talked to the federation. I need to rest, plus my knee has not completely healed,” said the 26-year-old. 

Kenya were drafted into the Intercontinental Cup in place of South Africa and will face New Zealand, Chinese Taipei and hosts India in a round robin format of games before the top two teams compete in the final.

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Kenya Squad

Patrick Matasi, Timothy Ojwang, Bonafice Otieno, Jockins Atudo, Musa Mohammed, Haron Shakava, Humphrey Ochieng, Mike Kibwage, Timothy Omwenga, Joash Achieng, Erick Otieno, Patilah Omoto, Philemon Otieno, Chrispin Oduor, Miheso Cliffon, Francis Nyambura, Kenneth Muguna, Michael Ogada, Duncan Otieno, John Makwata, Jafari Owiti, Timothy Otieno, Whyvonne Kinyangi, Pistone Mutamba, Ovella Ochieng.