We will go for early goal to propel us against Sudan, Kenya U-23 team coach Kimanzi says ahead of Kasarani clash
An early goal is what Kenya will be going for when the Emerging Stars take on Sudan in the Africa U23 Cup of Nations Qualifiers on Tuesday.
The match is a crucial one for the Kenyan coach-Francis Kimanzi who kicked off the lengthy campaign process on a wrong footing-having bowed 2-0 in the opening leg last week-as the competition will also act as an Olympics Qualifier.
The Emerging Stars must beat Sudan 3-0 to secure passage to the third round of qualification phase, but despite the herculean task ahead, Kimanzi is upbeat that the home boys can turn around the match.
“If we play better than we did in the first leg, I am confident that we can get a positive result. Getting the first goal will be tough, but if we can get it early enough, I know we will be in control of the match,” said Kimanzi.
To do this, Kimanzi will rely on heavily on the new inclusions, Sofapaka striker Pistone Mutamba who has just returned from AFCON qualifying match with the senior team-Harambee Stars from Ghana and Mathare United forward James Kinyanjui.
The two will stand in for John Avire and Jafari Owiti, who have both been ruled out after picking up knocks in the first leg.
Football Kenyan Federations knows that the junior team will need the support of the 12th man and as such the federation has waved gate charges for the Tuesday clash.
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