Firat Shoulders Blame for Kenya’s Defeat to Mali

Beleaguered Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat says the blame for the team’s 5-0 loss to Mali in a 2022 Africa World Cup qualifier should be laid at his doorstep.

The Harambee Stars soaked in four goals in the first half with Ibrahima Kone scoring a hat-trick while Adama Traore opened the scoring, while in the second stanza Firat’s charges conceded another goal thanks to Moussa Doumbia goal in the 85th minute.

And in the aftermath of the game, Firat said he was as disappointed as the nation as calls for his head together with FKF boss Nick Mwendwa continue to mount.

“I apologize to the Kenya football fans especially for the first half in that match and if they want to blame somebody, they should blame me. They should let the boys concentrate on the match. If somebody has done something wrong, then it is me and not the boys. So, blame me,” Firat said as per MozzartSport.

The Turkish tactician shockingly signed a two-month contract to replace Jacob “Ghost” Mulee last month, and was tasked to steer the Harambee Stars to the next round of 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

The result means that Kenya remains second last in Group E on two points, just one point above Rwanda who are bottom after losing to Uganda 1-0.

Mali stays on top of the group with seven points and are set to face the Harambee Stars in the return leg on Sunday in Nairobi.