Inter Milan midfielder Macdonald Mariga ruled out of Stars friendly against Libya

Jan 29, 2013 3:11:00 PM

However, Captain Dennis Oliech (France), midfielder Victor Wanyama (Scotland) and Ayub Timbe (Belgium), will link up with the rest in Tunis

Inter Milan midfielder Macdonald Mariga will not be available for Harambee Stars friendly against Libya in Tunis, Tunisia on February 6 (Wednesday).

Stars stand in coach confirmed to Goal.com the unavailability of Mariga through injury. “We have been forced to do without Mariga. He picked a knee injury in training and hence will not be available for the build up.”

As exclusively reported by Goal.com, South Africa-based defender Brian Mandela is another player set to miss the match through injury. The absence of the duo has forced coach Nandwa to recall Ulinzi Stars defender Mulinge Ndetto and AFC Leopards' midfielder Charles Okwemba.

Nandwa confirmed Azam’s duo of Joakins Atudo, Humphrey Mieno, and David Gateri from South Africa, will link up with the team before departure. However, Captain Dennis Oliech (France), midfielder Victor Wanyama (Scotland) and Ayub Timbe (Belgium), will join rest of the squad in Tunisia.

Stars are scheduled to depart for Tunisia on February 2 (Sunday) ahead of the friendly to be played in Tunis.

Libya has named a strong squad which includes British born Ahmed Beali playing for Italian Serie’ A ‘side Bresica and Irish-based Ayman Zaid. Libya, who are currently ranked 47th, are using the match as preparations for their Fifa 2013 World Cup qualifiers.

They are leading Group (I) ahead of Congo DRC, Cameroon and Togo. Libyan Coach Abdulafed Arbich is taking the match seriously and the team has been training at the Tunis venue since last week.

The match had to be moved to neighboring Tunisia because of Fifa’s ban on Libya from hosting international matches due to insecurity since the revolution.

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