Kenya are likely to face Ghana minus their influential captain Victor Wanyama.
Goal now understands that Tottenham are reluctant to release the Kenyan star despite Football Kenya Federation contacting them for the services of the player ahead of the crucial match set for Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.
Spurs are not keen to let Wanyama travel to Kenya owing to medical reasons and this will force Kenyan coach Sebastien Migne to change his plans for the game against the Black Stars.
“We have been engaging Spurs since the first day when coach Migne named the provisional squad for the Ghana fixture but so far we don’t have a proper answer to give you,” FKF Media Liaison Officer Barry Otieno told Goal.
“We are entitled to have Wanyama in camp because this match falls under the Fifa calendar but again it will be unnecessary to have him travel all the way to Kenya and fail to start or play a part in the match.”
Another source within the federation, who did not want to be named, told Goal that Wanyama is likely to miss the match. “Spurs are not keen to release the player. He (Wanyama) returned to training only last week and Spurs’ medical staff feels Wanyama is not fit enough to play.
“They (Spurs medical staff) want Victor Wanyama to recover fully and are still monitoring him. I am 100% sure that Wanyama will not come for the game.”
Wanyama’s absence could give coach Migne the opportunity to start Anthony Akumu in the midfield. Akumu, who turns out for Zesco United, has already reported to camp.
Ghana are leaders of Group F with three points following an opening day 5-0 thrashing of Ethiopia, while Kenya are second from bottom with no point after losing to Sierra Leone 2-1.
