KENYA’S Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is worried about injuries in his camp as he braces for his team’s encounter with the Warriors in a Group J Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier tie at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda on Friday.
Skipper Michael Olunga and Serbia-based defender Collins Sichenje are reported to be doubtful for Kenya’s matches against Zimbabwe and Namibia, while goalkeeper Ian Otieno was also dropped from the squad that will face The Warriors.
This left the Turkish mentor pondering much, saying avoiding defeats will be the starting point.
“The most important thing is the points we will have by the last match. Sometimes it is important not to lose,” Firat said.
“All teams are close to each other and have strong squads, so if we do not lose, the rival will not get three points.
“The boys who are here will fight every second and we will try our best. It is six matches and not just two, so we hope that in November, we will have the whole squad together — you never know.”
The Warriors were hit by injuries, with defender Brendan Galloway and striker Tino Kadewere pulling out due to strains, leaving coach Michael Nees with no option but to rejig his squad.
Zimbabwe have lost twice to Harambee Stars this year in Malawi and in South Africa, in a friendly match as well as at the Cosafa Cup.
- Kenya wary of Warriors
- Kenya wary of Warriors.
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In one of his interviews before he left Kenya for Uganda, Firat said: “We are unlucky when such matches come and we are not sure of him [Olunga]. Sichenje is also out, but we will have to work with the the available players.”
Olunga, however, is said to have travelled to Uganda, while Sichenje’s availability will be subject to a late fitness test.
Firat also stated: “Zimbabwe were at the 2022 edition of Afcon and Namibia have a good squad also, so it will not be a walk in the park. We are, however, optimistic of a good start, we target at least four points from the two matches.”
On arrival in Uganda, the new Warriors gaffer Nees was pleased with the way things had gone thus far.
“The conditions here are extremely good. I am sure this is one of the best training pitches in all of Africa and we appreciate all the support we got so far. We cannot complain,” he said after their first training session.
“We had a long travel with a little rest in Nairobi [Kenya], so the training session today was not very intense, but we try to focus on the game with a reduced squad and with a reduced intensity that we already could focus a little bit on what we expect. We are satisfied today, so far it is great and perfect.”
