Harambee stars hit by origi blow

Kenya’s Harambee Stars have suffered a blow ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations first leg second round qualifier against Lesotho following confirmation that first choice goalkeeper Arnold Origi will miss the encounter in Maseru.

Origi, who plies his trade in Norway for Lilestrom confirmed his unavailability for the Harambee Stars as he would be engaged in club duty playing against Viikings on Sunday; the day Lesotho hosts Kenya in Maseru.

“I really feel bad that I cannot be able to play in this crucial game that will ensure we qualify for the group stages. I could not be released by my team as they got information that the game is not in the scheduled FIFA match days set aside and I believe this kind of issues should be ironed out in time to avoid any disappointments like I am facing now. However I would like to wish my team mates all the best in the game in Maseru,” Origi said in an interview with Cafonline.com.

Arnold Origi, son of Kenyan legend Austin Makamu Oduor and a cousin of Belgian Divock Origi who recently signed for Liverpool, also missed the first leg of the first preliminary round which Kenya won 1-0 to set up the fixture against Lesotho.

Origi has been touted as Kenya’s best pair of hands between the posts for the past 10 years and his absence comes as a disappointment to the technical bench led by coach Adel Amrouche.

Also doubtful for Kenya is all time goal scorer Dennis Oliech who plies his trade with French side Ajaccio.

“I am facing the same dilemma as Arnold Origi because I have been informed by my team that the game is not on a scheduled FIFA day. It’s really disappointing and I hope such issues can be resolved amicably,” said Oliech who missed the last round second leg match in Moroni following a fall out with coach Amrouche.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) News