By Mahlon Lichuma
Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson Weru has named a strong and familiar match-day squad ahead of their Kenya Cup showdown against Impala at the Impala Grounds, Nairobi.
The front row will be led by tighthead Destrious Ifedha, hooker Fortune Aturo and loosehead Victor Were, Captain Ibrahim Ayoo marshals the second row alongside Argwings Owino, forming a physical engine room expected to set the tone in the contest.
In the back row, Jadah Abdon earns the blindside role, co-captain Amos Obae lines up on the openside, and Samuel Were completes the loose trio at number eight.
Clarkson Keegan starts at scrum-half, linking up with Samuel Mwaura at fly-half, while the midfield pairing of Denis Abutuse and John Okoth brings direct running and defensive steel. On the wings, Timothy Omela and Abutwalib Wesonga provide a finishing threat, with Philip Okeyo slotting in at outside centre.
Oilers have also named an experienced bench, ensuring depth across all departments. Celestine Mboi and Byron Cornel cover the front row, with Bruce Ondovo and Wallace Onyango adding reinforcement in the forwards. Elkeans Musonye, Andrew Odero, Chrispine Shitundo and Beldad Ogeta round off the match-day 23.
Menengai Oilers Starting XV
1.Destrious Ifedha
2.Fortune Aturo
3.Victor Were
4.Ibrahim Ayo (C)
5.Argwings Owino
6.Jadah Abdon
7.Amos Obae (CC)
8.Samuel Were
9.Clarkson Keegan
10.Samuel Mwaura
11.Denis Abutuse
12.John Okoth
13.Philip Okeyo
14.Timothy Omela
15.Abutwalib Wesonga
Reserves
16. Celestine Mboi
17. Byron Cornel
18. Bruce Ondovo
19. Wallace Onyango
20. Elkeans Musonye
21. Andrew Odero
22. Chrispine Shitundo
23. Beldad Ogeta
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