Kenya will face a stern test of their credentials when they take on Togo in their second 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier this evening.
Harambee Stars, who are second in Group G with one point after playing to a 1-1 draw with Egypt in their maiden game, will play the match against the Sparrow Hawks at the Moi International Stadium, under floodlights.
Ideally, Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi hoped to start the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a win but he remains positive of picking maximum points at home.
“I prefer staying positive because the players are so positive and are more motivated to play on Monday. That is important for us and I don’t think all the other arrangements that might have gone wrong will play any part on Monday. We’ve to continue staying focused and work for the match, nothing else,” said Kimanzi.
Kenya will be without the services of two of their dependable winger Ayub Timbe who is in Belgium for treatment after aggravating a foot injury while goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been ruled out due to a groin injury.
However, Harambee Stars have several other attacking options with Eric Johanna and Cliff Nyakeya all impressing. Michael Olunga remains the go-to-man for the team with three goals in his last five international appearances.
Looking ahead to the game, Kenya captain Victor Wanyama has warned the players against underestimating their opponents, who are coming off from a 1-0 defeat in the hands of minnows Comoros in their opening match.
“They (Togo) lost against Comoros and are eager to bounce back so we need to be careful. Against Ethiopia last year at home we had a full stadium that rallied us for the entire game and it is our wish to have such an atmosphere again. We are motivated and going for the maximum points,” said the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.
Togo arrived in Nairobi on Saturday and held their final training at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Sparrow Hawks coach Claude Le Roy has made it clear that he will not resign following the shock defeat as his side was just unfortunate on the day.
“Only in football the results are more important,” Le Roy said on Koaci.com.
“However, we have been beaten having created at least a dozen of goal-scoring opportunities. The day you see me re-sign has not arrived.”
A win tonight will put Kenya in pole position to make a return to continental showpiece ahead of four other remaining four group matches.
The East African have met Togo three times with an even record of a win each and draw.
2021 AFCON Qualifiers Today:
13:00 GMT
Comoros v Egypt
Sao Tomé v Ghana
16:00 GMT
Cape Verde v Mozambique
Gambia v DR Congo
Kenya v Togo
19:00 GMT
Botswana v Algeria
