Kakamega Homeboyz centre-back Brian Eshihanda has revealed what cost him a place in the Harambe Stars team that is gearing up for a clash against South Sudan on Sunday.Eshihanda made his debut for Kenya last weekend against the same opponent at the Juba Stadium in an African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier.He was introduced in the first half for the injured Musa Mohammed and partnered with Sylvester Owino at the heart of the defence up to the final whistle.##NAJAVA_MECA_8457034##Eshihanda’s joy of representing the nation was, however, watered down by a hamstring injury and the fact that Harambee Stars lost 2-0.The injury saw the goal-scoring defender join 12 other players in exiting from the Stars camp ahead of the return leg to be hosted at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.Although injuries are part of the game, Eshihanda was quick to blame the artificial turf and the difficult conditions in Juba for the setback, which will likely keep him out for several weeks, as scans have been recommended.##NAJAVA_MECA_8457039##“Unfortunately, I picked up a hamstring injury in the second half. It was extremely hot, and the playing surface did not help either. I will be going for a scan on Monday to determine the severity of the injury and how long I will be on the sidelines. Coach Firat asked me to remain behind and work on my recovery,” he disclosed.Eshihanda, who doubles up as the assistant captain at Homeboyz, hopes that he will be fit enough to play in the final round of the qualifiers if Kenya manages to eliminate the Bright Stars.Goal-scoring Homeboyz defender keen on following footsteps of his roommate after landing Harambee Stars callShould Stars proceed to the final round, set for December, they will face the winner between Rwanda and Djibouti.How Ibrahim Wanzala utilised Kenya Under-20 bonuses to improve his family’s fortunesDjibouti won the first leg 1-0 in Kigali and will need a draw of any kind in the return leg to advance to the last round of the qualifiers.“I hope I will have recovered fully by then. It is also my dream to represent the country in the tournament,” he added.The former GDC Nakuru player was the highest-scoring defender in the past season as he found the back of the net six times.
