Harambee Stars Ace Francis Kahata Confident Of Sterling AFCON Show

NAIROBI, Kenya- Harambee Stars creative midfielder Francis Kahata is confident that Kenya will put on a great show and surprise their opponents during the Total 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Kenya, under the tutelage of Sebastien Migne, will take part in the continental showpiece set to take place from June 21 to July 19 for the first time in 15 years.

Kahata who is fresh off winning back to back SportPesa Premier League (SPL) titles with record champions Gor Mahia FC, has been a regular in the national team and is optimistic of a worthy team performance.

Stars have been in France since May 31 for a three-week training camp, before they leave for the Egyptian capital tomorrow (Tuesday), June 18.

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The first test for the Kenyans will be on Sunday, June 23 as they aim for a positive start when they battle it out against North African giants Algeria at the 30 June Stadium.

“It’s been a great journey as part of the Kenya national team, we have come far as a team and we are prepared to give it our best in Egypt.

“I thank God for how far he has brought the team and we are confident that we will do our country proud,” Kahata told SportPesa News.

Kenya played two friendly games in preparation for the finals, edging Madagascar 1-0 on Friday June 7 at the Stade Robert Bobin Stadium in France.

Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder and Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama’s second half penalty was enough to seal the victory for Migne’s side.

The second friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) played in Madrid on Saturday, June 15 ended in a 1-1 draw, Kashiwa Reysol FC striker Michael Olunga on target for the Kenyans.

“The camp in France has been great and we all needed it just so we can get the chance to fully focus on our upcoming assignment in Egypt.

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“We’ve learnt a lot and more importantly, we are playing well together as you have seen in the two friendlies we have played since coming here,” Kahata explained.

All eyes will be on Kenya as they seek to give their fans something to scream about as they aim to make it past the group stages of the tournament for the first time history.

The last time Kenya featured in the competition was in 2004 under the watchful eye of former coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, where they were bundled out in the opening phase despite an impressive 3-0 win against Burkina Faso in their final group game.

Record Kenyan scorer Dennis Oliech, who was 19 then, scored a goal and set up the other two for Kenya’s first ever win at the finals.

“It’s been a long time since Kenya qualified for AFCON and now it’s on us as the younger generation and the seniors in the squad to be a part of history.

“It’s our time to shine and it serves also as a perfect opportunity to showcase our talent and market ourselves as players,” Kahata, whose future at Gor remains uncertain stated.

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After Algeria, Harambee Stars will take to the same venue to take on East African neighbours Tanzania on Thursday, June 27 before a tough test against Africa’s highest ranked side, Senegal four days later.

“We played against tough teams in the qualifiers and we are ready to take the same effort to the group stages of the tournament.

“Many are looking at Kenya as a small team but I am sure they will be very surprised because we will prove that we have every right to contend for the title as well,” the creative midfielder concluded.