Sebastian Migne Focused Despite Crucial Wins

NAIROBI, Kenya- Harambee Stars head coach Sebastian Migne remains focused on the bigger picture despite back to back home victories over Ghana and Malawi in three days.

Kenya beat Ghana 1-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last Saturday courtesy of a Nicholas Opoku own goal and edged Malawi by the same score-line on Tuesday at the Kasarani Stadium.

Gor Mahia FC midfielder Francis Kahata scored the lone goal in the 77th minute after an incisive cross from substitute Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma.

“The first half was quite boring and the players gave me too many excuses. But I understand sometimes it’s difficult to get into the game.

“Maybe we weren’t ready to fight after the weekend game and the stadium wasn’t too packed which is not nice in terms of morale,” Migne told SportPesa News regarding the Malawi fixture.

The win against Ghana meant that all teams in Group F are on three points, meaning it is still wide open in terms of qualification for the 2019 AFCON finals in Cameroon.

“We have one chance to be in the AFCON next year and we can’t do it alone, we need the fans.

“In Congo, Gambia and Madagascar they have been full stadiums in the past few days and I know we can do it here.

“Please, please I urge the fans to come and make noise in the stadium.  We only have one month until our next fixtures and the support will be greatly appreciated,” the Frenchman pleaded.

Kenya will resume international duty in October when they face East African neighbors Ethiopia both home and away in a short span of four days.

There were only two changes to the squad that started against Ghana with veteran defender Jockins Atudo replacing injured Philemon Otieno as Zesco United FC striker Jesse Were starting in place of Michael Olunga.

“Musa and Joash played too deep and we didn’t get chances in the first half but in the second half Marcelo played very well and it was a good change.

“I’ve told my players that everyone has to impress and want to win to feature. It was a great win against Ghana, a fantastic one actually. But that’s in the past, we have to focus on the important games coming up,” Migne underlined.

The former Democratic Republic of Congo manager will be seeking to break the duck and take Kenya into her first AFCON finals in 14 years.