Bonface Osano
Spain-born Harambee Stars holding midfielder Ismael Gonzalez is proud to represent the land of his father, Kenya, at international level.
Gonzalez has been capped seven times and was a cog in Stars’ historic win over Ghana in the Afcon 2019 qualifiers at the Kasarani Stadium Sunday.
“It has been better than what I expected, I feel proud of representing my country and thankful for having this chance,” he told the Standard.
Born to Kenyan father Said Ali Athuman and Spanish mother Mercedes Gonzalez, the 23-year-old plays for Las Palmas B team in Spain.
He first earned his senior call-up in 2016 under coach Stanley Okumbi, who went ahead to introduce him as second half substitute in Kenya’s 1-1 draw against Sudan.
Read: Sebastien Migne Irked That Cameroon Were Granted Preference Over Harambee Stars At Kasarani
“Most football players dream about playing for their countries. So definitely this has been a dream come true for me. Once I got the call up in 2016, I did not think twice.”
Gonzalez is optimistic Kenya can break 14-year-jinx and qualify for the 2019 Afcon in Cameroon.
“We know how to play, we must be together as a team, working hard and of course we can be there,” he added.
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