Ulinzi Stars custodian James Saruni has been drafted back into the national team to provide cover in the goalkeeping department ahead of the Harambee Stars second leg FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifier against Mali set for Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon. After initially being included in Engin Firat’s first 34 man provisional squad, the 2020/2021 Football Kenya Federation Premier League Golden Glove winner was excluded in the final 25 man squad that travelled to Morocco for the first leg with Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire and Farouk Shikalo included as the goalkeepers.##NAJAVA_MECA_5885091##In the Thursday game however, Zesco United’s shot stopper, Ian Otieno, who was preferred between the sticks, was forced off the game as the team came out for the second half trailing 4-0, the head coach explaining that the goalkeeper had developed some slight injury.Otieno-Shikhalo substitution in Mali defeat explainedAt the team’s final training session held on Saturday afternoon, Ian Otieno was not involved at all as Saruni took part in the training. Bwire and Shikalo also took part in the team session where Kenya were preparing for the return leg fixture.After a 5-0 thrashing in the first leg held in Morocco, Kenya head into the game needing all the three points if they are to keep any slim hopes of progression alive. They currently sit third in Group E on a paltry two points after three games.On the other hand, should Mali emerge victorious, the team’s chances of taking top spot that guarantees progression to the next and final round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers will be completely dashed.The match kicks off at 1600 EAT.
