Stars out to shine in Cairo

by BackPageTXT

Wednesday Jun 26, 2019. 16:00

East African rivals Kenya and Tanzania will battle for points in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash at 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Thursday evening.

Kick-off is at 22h00 CAT.

The two nations suffered defeat in their respective tournament openers this past weekend, going down to Algeria and Senegal respectively.

The Harambee Stars were unconvincing on their return to Africa's showpiece, with first half goals from Baghdad Bounedjah and Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez leading the Desert Foxes to victory.

Kenya have been dealt a further blow with news that defender Musa Mohammed is unlikely to feature against the Taifa Stars due to injury.

Head coach Sebastian Migne, though, remains confident of the country's chances at this years tournament in build-up to what is a crucial clash for both countries.

“I choose to remain optimistic for our next match. I will make a few changes in the team. I need to decide who will start and who will come in as a substitute,” said Migne.

“If we play like we did in the second half [against Algeria], then we will have a good game. Probably we were afraid. It was difficult. We need to fight as a team,” he added.

Tanzania, who are back at an Afcon tournament for the first time in 39 years, lost 2-0 to a very strong Senegal side in the Egyptian capital this past weekend.

Goals from Keita Baldé and Krépin Diatta leading the tournament favourites to victory.

“In this kind of tournament, experience matters a lot. Some of our players were nervous. We made a lot of mistakes, especially in the first half. The Senegal players dominated the midfield," said head coach Emmanuel Amuneke.

“Senegal are experienced having played at the World Cup as well. The majority of our players play in the Tanzania league but I know and believe that we can get better always.”