Kenya’s chances of earning Group E’s automatic ticket for Gabon 2017 will depend heavily on the outcome of the doubler-header against Guinea Bissau, according to Head Coach, Stanley Okumbi.
The Harambee Stars travel to Bissau for the Day 3 clash on Wednesday, 23 March 2016 before hosting the return encounter four days later in Nairobi.
Kenya currently share bottom of the log with Guinea Bissau on a solitary point each, three points shy of leaders Congo and Zambia who play each other on the same match days.
“Looking at our position and the probability of us qualifying, winning both matches is a must for us. We need to ensure we keep pace with the top two and if either of them drops points, then it puts us in a good position.
“We cannot talk much about our chances now until we achieve our hope over these two matches,” Okumbi told CAFonline.com.
The tactician will be under the spotlight as he takes over his first match since his appointment last month to take over from Scot Bobby Williamson, and has expressed optimism at the helm with guiding the Harambee Stars to the top his main aim and possibly a shot at next year’s AFCON in Gabon.
“It has been a good start, so far so good, being received well by the players. I can’t really say there have been challenges because the Federation has given us very good support. The bulk is left on us to perform,” Okumbi said after taking the team through their paces at one of their training sessions.
He adds he has been on a scouting mission on his opponents Guinea Bissau and expects a tough tough over the two legs.
“They are strong physically and we need to prepare for this. Starting away will also be tough and we need to go there and assert ourselves in the game early. Overall, we don’t expect a walk in the park but we will have to give our best,” Okumbi added.
The Harambee Stars’ last appearance at the flagship continental championship was in 2004 in Tunisia. They also participated in 1972, 1988, 1990 and 1992 editions failing to go past the group stage every time.
Kenya currently share bottom of the log with Guinea Bissau on a solitary point each, three points shy of leaders Congo and Zambia who play each other on the same match days.
“Looking at our position and the probability of us qualifying, winning both matches is a must for us. We need to ensure we keep pace with the top two and if either of them drops points, then it puts us in a good position.
“We cannot talk much about our chances now until we achieve our hope over these two matches,” Okumbi told CAFonline.com.
The tactician will be under the spotlight as he takes over his first match since his appointment last month to take over from Scot Bobby Williamson, and has expressed optimism at the helm with guiding the Harambee Stars to the top his main aim and possibly a shot at next year’s AFCON in Gabon.
“It has been a good start, so far so good, being received well by the players. I can’t really say there have been challenges because the Federation has given us very good support. The bulk is left on us to perform,” Okumbi said after taking the team through their paces at one of their training sessions.
He adds he has been on a scouting mission on his opponents Guinea Bissau and expects a tough tough over the two legs.
“They are strong physically and we need to prepare for this. Starting away will also be tough and we need to go there and assert ourselves in the game early. Overall, we don’t expect a walk in the park but we will have to give our best,” Okumbi added.
The Harambee Stars’ last appearance at the flagship continental championship was in 2004 in Tunisia. They also participated in 1972, 1988, 1990 and 1992 editions failing to go past the group stage every time.
By: Cafonline.com
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