AFCON 2019: Senegal tough, but we can beat them, says Kenya coach
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - Kenya National football team coach Sébastien Migné says much as Senegal is a force to reckon with, the Kenyan squad could pull a surprise on Monday when they lock horns in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final Group C match in Cairo.
“We know it will be difficult playing against the number one country in Africa (FIFA Rankings). But it was difficult as well when we came up against Ghana during qualification and we won. We can do it,” said coach Migné.
He told the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) press on Saturday that his players will gun for nothing but victory against the West Africans.
Better known as Harambee Stars, the Kenyan side pipped a stubborn Tanzania 3-2 on Thursday.
Kenya is tying with Senegal with three points each but the Teranga Lions are placed second on account of a superior goal difference.
Kenya are in third spot, while Tanzania are at the bottom having lost both group matches.
Algeria, who lead the group with six points, have already qualified for the Round of 16.
Coach Migné, a Frenchman, further hailed youngster John Avire’s performance in the win over Tanzania, noting that it was necessary to add in more firepower when Kenya was trailing early in the match.
“I think it was a good decision. It was necessary to add a striker to partner (Micheal) Olunga upfront and Avire coming on gave Olunga much more freedom. Sometimes coaches are afraid of fielding young players in such matches but I’m not,” said Migné.
Avire, 22 is home-based striker who turns out for Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka, while Japan-based Olunga plays for Kashiwa Reysol.
The match, set to be played on Monday, will be a winner takes it all affair for second spot in the four-team Group.
A draw could also see Kenya get one of four best loser spots at stake, depending on the outcome of other group matches.
-0- PANA DJ/MA 29June2019
