NAIROBI, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan striker Michael Olunga has said the country's two friendly matches away in Iraq and Thailand will help them polish their skills despite missing out on the 2018 Africa Nations Cup finals.
Kenya's football team, Harambee Stars, is to play two friendly matches away, against Iraq on Thursday in Basra and Thailand on Sunday.
"It is nice to be in Basra. These games are important and we will make full use of the opportunity," Olunga said on Wednesday.
Harambee Stars head coach Stanley Okumbi has opted to select a full strength team for the assignment. The coach has been in Germany for a month-long coaching course.
Okumbi, who has lost once in 12 games, will be hoping to lead his charges to victory.
However, he will miss the services of Captain Victor Wanyama of Tettenham in the English Premier League, while Belgium based Ayub Timbe and Brian Mandela have been omitted in the squad due to injuries. Another Belgium based player Johanna Omollo will skip the trip due to club commitments as well as defender David Ochieng.
But Zambian quintet of Anthony Akumu, Jesse Were, David Owino, Cliffton Miheso and John Mark Makwatta were all named in the team.
Kenya is using the two friendly matches as part of its preparation for the ongoing 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Enditem
