Ismael Gonzalez joins Harambee Stars' squad in Morocco

A section of Harambee Stars players arrive at their hotel in Marrakech, Morocco on March 19, 2018. Stars are scheduled to play two international friendlies against Gambia and the Central Africa Republic. PHOTO | DAVID KWALIMWA |

What you need to know:

  • Spain-based midfielder Ismael Gonzalez is the first foreign-based player to join the Harambee Stars camp here in Marrakech, Morocco.
  • The CF Fuenlabreda star joined 10 local-based players, who arrived in Marrakech, a three- hour drive from the country's capital Casablanca, late on Monday, following a day-long trip from Nairobi, via N'Djamena, Chad's capital.
  • The 23-year-old, who can also play at centre back, connected to Casablanca aboard a two-hour flight from neighbouring Madrid.

IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Spain-based midfielder Ismael Gonzalez is the first foreign-based player to join the Harambee Stars camp here in Marrakech, Morocco.

The CF Fuenlabreda star joined 10 local-based players, who arrived in Marrakech, a three-hour drive from the country's capital Casablanca, late on Monday, following a day-long trip from Nairobi, via N'Djamena, Chad's capital.

The 23-year-old, who can also play at centre back, connected to Casablanca aboard a two-hour flight from neighbouring Madrid.

"It feels nice to be back with the team," the Fuennlabrada player, who last played for the national team two years ago, told Nation Sport.

"It's good to start our preparations for the remaining Africa Nations Cup qualifiers this early. The games we play here will help us on that front."

A section of Harambee Stars players arrive at their hotel in Marrakech, Morocco on March 19, 2018. Stars are scheduled to play two international friendlies against Gambia and the Central Africa Republic. PHOTO | DAVID KWALIMWA |

Gor Mahia trio of Francis Kahata, Harun Shakava and Samuel Onyango also linked up with their teammates at the Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca from neighbouring Tunisia, after featuring for their club in Sunday's Caf Champions League 1-0 defeat to Esperance.

Ten other foreign-based players including captain Victor Wanyama and his elder sibling MacDonald Mariga, Ayub Timbe, David Owino, David 'Cheche' Ochieng, Eric Johanna, Johanna Omollo, Paul Were and Jesse Were are expected in Morocco on Tuesday.

Stars are here to compete in two international friendlies against Comoros Island and the Central Africa Republic on Monday and Thursday next week.