Captain Wanyama Hails Kenya's Resilience After Scintillating AFCON Triumph

28th June 2019 - by Louis Kalinga

Algeria lead the group standings with six points and have already booked their place in the last 16, The Lions of Teranga and Kenya have three each while Tanzania remain pointless

Kenya's midfielder Victor Wanyama (L) receives instructions from Kenya's coach Sebastian Migne during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football match between Kenya and Tanzania at the Stadium in Cairo on June 27, 2019. PHOTO | AFP

SUMMARY

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama hailed his teammates resilience after they came from behind twice to beat Tanzania 3-2 on Thursday evening in their Total 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter
Both sides came into the encounter on the back of similar 2-0 defeats to group leaders Algeria and Senegal, knowing that a loss would see either side stumble out of the continental showpiece
Tanzania, who have never won an AFCON match in their history, led twice but Kashiwa Reysol FC ‘s Michael Olunga’s brace either side of a Johanna Omollo goal kept Kenya’s hopes alive

CAIRO, Egypt- Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama hailed his teammates resilience after they came from behind twice to beat Tanzania 3-2 on Thursday evening in their Total 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group C encounter.

Both sides came into the encounter on the back of similar 2-0 defeats to group leaders Algeria and Senegal, knowing that a loss would see either side stumble out of the continental showpiece.

Tanzania, who have never won an AFCON match in their history, led twice but Kashiwa Reysol FC ‘s Michael Olunga’s brace either side of a Johanna Omollo goal kept Kenya’s hopes alive.

Both his goals which included a calculated overhead kick equalizer, ensured that Olunga was named the man of the match.

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Algeria lead the group standings with six points and have already booked their place in the last 16, The Lions of Teranga and Kenya have three each while Tanzania remain pointless.

Speaking after the historic night of football, Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Wanyama expressed his appreciation for the efforts displayed by the Kenyans throughout the heated encounter.

“We gave it our all today and we showed what Kenya is capable of, I couldn’t be more proud of all the players.

“That never-say-die attitude that we showed today was inspiring and after that important victory, we now stand a chance to make history and that is what we are aiming for,” the 28-year old stated.

Kenya’s head coach Sebastian Migne made three changes to the team that started in the 2-0 loss to Algeria, opting to start midfield duo of Eric Ouma and Johanna Omollo, who made a great impact off the bench in the opening fixture.

Gor Mahia FC’s Philemon Otieno was also relegated to the bench and was replaced by the more experienced David ‘Calabar’ Owino, who plies his trade for Zambian outfit Zesco United FC.

The changes proved to be essential as Kenya enjoyed large spells of possession in the first half and had more shots on target in the game than their opponents.

“When we give it our all and do what we do best, everything falls into place and we have some of the best players in the continent.

“Our fans were amazing throughout the game and we appreciate the support. We will not let them down as we prepare for the final group game,” Wanyama continued.

Kenya will now face Senegal on Monday, July 1 in a crunch tie where the winner will guarantee a spot in the AFCON last 16.

Even if the Kenyans lose their final group match against Senegal, they will hope to squeeze into the knockout phase as one of the four best third-place teams.

“The match against Senegal is a final, not only for us but to our entire country. We have already shown that we are more than capable and we will give it our all, we have to make Kenya proud,” he concluded.