Why Harambee Stars defender Joash Onyango missed Comoros tie

Tanzania's Simba Sports Club have denied Kenyan defender Joash Onyango has contracted Covid-19.

CEO Barbara Gonzalez explained via Twitter on Wednesday the Harambee Stars defender missed the national team's game versus Comoros because of a slight knee injury.

"I spoke to our superstar Joash and he’s doing well. (He has a) Slight knee injury but he will bounce back soon," said Gonzalez.

Onyango was called up for this 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, but didn't make the bench, with Brian Mandela and Joseph Okumu preferred by coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee at the heart of defence.

Mulee also appeared to disagree with Gonzalez in his post-match comments.

"He's had personal issues to solve and was excused from camp yesterday (Tuesday)," said Mulee. 

The coach also confirmed the former Gor Mahia player will not travel to Moroni on Friday for Sunday's reverse fixture between Kenya and Comoros.

Earlier, Nation Sport had received information from Stars camp at the Safari Park hotel that the player had indeed tested positive for Covid-19.

Stars officials at the time refused to comment.

All local based players have been undergoing Covid-19 tests before joining Stars camp with the foreign-based legion asked to carry with them certificates to confirm they are negative.

Nation Sport also understands a number of local based players tested positive for the virus and have been in isolation since.