Kenyans To Migne: Drop Kahata, Omar For Crucial Senegal AFCON Test

30th June 2019

Some believe the squad fielded in the battle with Tanzania by the Frenchman was okay with exception on goal keeping

Kenya's players celebrate after scoring a goal during the AFCON 2019 qualifier match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, on October 14, 2018. PHOTO | AFP
Kenya's players celebrate after scoring a goal during the AFCON 2019 qualifier match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, on October 14, 2018. PHOTO | AFP
SUMMARY
  • Kenya however, need at least a draw to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition as one of the four best-placed third finishers across the six pools with the country's football fans taking to social media on Sunday to tell head coach Sébastien Migné what the desired starting line-up against the Teranga Lions should be
  • Simon Rogers, one of the scores of fans who engaged the federation, wanted Dennis Odhiambo to partner Joash Onyango at the heart of defence with the latter missing the opening two games with injury
  • Rhicks Mkenya concurred stating he felt nervous watching Stars whenever Matasi is in between the sticks

NAIROBI, Kenya- Harambee Stars will battle Senegal in their last Group C match of the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Monday night with the winner bagging the ticket to round 16.

Kenya however, need at least a draw to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition as one of the four best-placed third finishers across the six pools with the country's football fans taking to social media on Sunday to tell head coach Sébastien Migné what the desired starting line-up against the Teranga Lions should be.

After Stars fell 0-2 loss to the  Desert Foxes in their Group C opener, Kenya rallied to beat East African rivals Tanzania 3-2 on Thursday night to reignite their hopes of making the last 16 for the first time in history with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) starting the online conversation when they asked fans their preferred starting XI.

“Hard work continues in training ahead of Monday's final Group C match against Senegal. Who do you think should start?”FKF posed on their official Twitter and Facebook pages. 

READ MORE: Harambee Stars Hope To Cage Teranga Lions In Showdown For Last 16 Ticket

Simon Rogers, one of the scores of fans who engaged the federation, wanted Dennis Odhiambo to partner Joash Onyango at the heart of defence with the latter missing the opening two games with injury.

Akiwa pamoja na Joash huwa anawork vizuri (Odhiambo plays so well with Joash),” Rogers charged.

But his centre half choice was trashed by another user, Ziok Josaya who reminded Rogers that Odhiambo is not a defender and he should do his home work well before giving his opinion on the players as the debate intensified.

Willis Ojok advised the coach to bench Abud Omar and Francis Kahata saying the wing back and creative midfielder had done little to justify their inclusion in the starting XI against Algeria and Tanzania.

“ If it was not Okumu (Joseph) shuttling between the left and right back Abud could have messed us up a big deal, but I'm confident Stars are going to win,” Ojok added.

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“Kindly plan an entire defensive first half (and) use Omolo (Johanna), Masika (Ayub Timbe), Ouma (Eric) in counter attacks. Keep Olunga (Michael) in bench for 30 minutes before plotting an all out attack in second half,” Benedict Lainy offered.

Papaa Logan urged the Frenchman to find a working formula in the defence that has been shaky while exuding confidence Stars can progress to the last 16.

Some fans held the starting XI used against Tanzania with the exception of goal keeper Patrick Matasi was enough to play Senegal who are the highest ranked team in Africa at the moment as they called for the Ethiopia-based St. George's FC custodian to be benched.

“I’m not convinced by Matasi, he needs to do something to improve his game. Avire (John) and Olunga should start up front with Masika and Ouma on the flanks. So far Wanyama and Omolo have been excellent in controlling the midfield,” Sebastian Larson underscored.

Rhicks Mkenya concurred stating he felt nervous watching Stars whenever Matasi is in between the sticks.

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“My God, he makes some unimaginable mistakes. I think Farouk (Shikalo) is better,” he reckoned.

Otala Meja on the other hand believes the under fire keeper should be retained and proposed a starting 11 of; Matasi, Ochieng (Benard), Abud, Okumu, Musa (Mohamed),Wanyama, Masika, Otieno, Olunga, Omolo and Marcelo (Eric Ouma).

“Avire, Were (Paul), Gonzalez should be subs. Philemon (Otieno) to play mid and keep strict watch on Liverpool star Sadio Mane as he help the defense. If Joash is fit play him instead of Okumu, all the best Stars,” Meja highlighted.

Some like Shem Kugwa wants the squad that battled Tanzania in the second half fielded on Monday.

“We need to start with an offensive mind. Coach pia a beef up defense ya right back. Alafu sasa tuongeze confidence. Senegal wanalala roho safi (Migne should find a solution to his right back and the team should maintain confidence throughout the match. I truly feel we are going to defeat Senegal),” Kungwa added.