Blue Sharks face Kenyan test

by BackPageTXT

Thursday Nov 12, 2015. 11:30

The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde will begin their attempt to qualify for the 2018 World Cup when they travel to Nairobi to take on Kenya for the first leg of their playoff tie.

The match will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium, kick-off at 15h00 on Friday afternoon.

The Islanders put up a strong campaign in their efforts to reach the 2014 World Cup, but were ultimately undone due to fielding an ineligible player in a match against Tunisia.

They initially thought they had finished top of their group to progress into the final playoff round, but were ultimately replaced by the North Africans.

This time around, coach Rui Aguas and his charges will be determined to put things right, starting with this clash against Kenya.

The Harambee Stars earned their place in this stage of the qualifiers thanks to a comfortable 5-2 aggregate win over Mauritius.

Kenya coach Bobby Williamson knows it will be a tough encounter against the Islanders, who have been one of Africa’s most improved teams in recent years.

“Being the hosts, there is always the pressure to deliver results. We are representing Kenya and it would be good if we start on a positive note. We know it will be a tough match, but we will give our best,” Williamson told Feverpitch.

Ivory Coast referee Denis Dembele will take charge of the match in Nairobi. The return leg is set for 17 November in Praia.