AFCON 2019: Kenyans up in arms after Wanga axing from squad

Coach Sebastien Migne’s decision to axe Allan Wanga from his 2019 Total African Cup of Nations squad has drawn massive criticism from football stakeholders in the country.

Locally Allan Wanga proved to be the best, dude emerged top scorer and I’m sure if by chance league organizers decided that we should have another round of matches he will still score. How starts coach & TB decided to drop him from #AFCON2019 list is a…… anyway……

— Frank Orinde (@FrankOrinde) May 31, 2019

Despite leading the scorers chart with 18 goals in the just concluded Kenyan Premier League season, Wanga was a shock omission when the Frenchman trimmed his squad to 27 players before heading to France for pre-Afcon preparations.

Sebastian Migne is a stupid, naive, half-baked coach. You drop KPL's top scorer & KK homeboyz's Allan Wanga Winner of the golden boot with 18 goals? Worse is that AFC's Whyvonne Isuza the consistent scorer,… https://t.co/o4mHCjNnDw

— Wafula KERE (@WafulakereC) May 31, 2019

The experienced forward has been in the form of his life for Kakamega Homeboyz and many believed he would be Migne’s second choice striker in Egypt behind Japan-based Michael Olunga.

Can someone explain to me, Why Allan Wanga (18 goals) was dropped for John Avire (7 goals) . #AFCON2019 #HarambeeStars

— Saddam (@sirddamovic) May 31, 2019

However, many were shocked when on Thursday he was dropped alongside Kariobangi Sharks keeper Brian Bwire and Leopards midfielder Whyvonne Isuza.

Which selected forward has more character than @allanwanga_ ? He not only managed to revive his career from the brink of collapse & become the KPL top scorer, he was at some point player coach of his team and is also the Sports County Director for Kakamega #ClassIsPermanent https://t.co/9v8wrTIpnD

— Mukami Wambora (@MukamiWambora) May 30, 2019

What baffled many is the inclusion of strikers like John Avire who scored seven goals for Sofapaka this season, 11 fewer than Wanga.

Up to now I don't understand why Jackson Jesse Were was left out of #AFCON2019 squad, Am now even more surprised by Migne leaving behind #KPL top scorer Allan Wanga, hata group stage hatutoki. I give up

— Bethuel (@BethuelOngeti) May 31, 2019

The other surprise inclusion was Masud Juma who recently terminated his contract with Libyan side Al-Naser. The striker hasn’t played any competitive football since December 2018.

https://twitter.com/Dannybenz2/status/1134330765267877889

Kenyans on social media were on Migne’s neck accusing the Frenchman of favouritism with some pointing at possible interference from football governing body, Football Kenya Federation.

Meanwhile the forward took to social media to wish the team well.

All the best to those who have been selected to represent Kenya at AFCON. Make us proud ?? #DaimaMkenya pic.twitter.com/hVWXMZB6Zo

— Allan Wanga (@allanwanga_) May 30, 2019