WHILE I AM AWAY... Go ye and conquer Lesotho, Amrouche urges Stars

Harambee Stars striker Harrison Mwendwa chats with national coach Adel Amrouche during the training session at Nyayo National tadium in May. [PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

The fate of Harambee Stars during their Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Lesotho lies in the hands of coach Adel Amrouche’s assistants.

Amrouche, who is serving a one-year ban, has challenged the players to rise to the occasion in his absence.

“My absence is certainly not good for the team but the players have to learn to deal with it. They ought to understand that this is a crucial match for them in which they have to give their best,” he said yesterday.

“My assistants know everything. We have spent a lot of time with them in training. Futhermore, we have very mature and professional players and this is their chance to show it on the pitch,” he added.

“This match is all about the players and the likes of Victor Mugubi and MacDonald Mariga have to let their experience show,” said the coach.

Harambee Stars have lost two crucial matches when Amrouche was sent off from the touch-line.

Stars threw away a 1-0 lead against Nigeria in Calabar to draw a match they should have easily won. Then last month, the team conceded again against Comoros away when the coach was given marching orders.

The coach, who believes the players are mature enough to deal with the situation, however expressed confidence in his assistants whom he said are upto the task.

under pressure

Amrouche, admitted that the 1-0 loss Harambee Stars suffered in the first leg against Lesotho has put them under tremendous pressure.

“The return match at home on Sunday is a very crucial game for us because victory will put us in the group stages of the qualifiers. Losing in the first leg has put us in a stressful situation from which we have to come out of on Sunday,” he admitted.

The coach said he is disappointed that the team will not have Lillestrom goalkeeper Arnold Origi and Ajaccio striker Dennis Oliech remains doubtful as well.

“Origi has told us he prefers to remain with his club at this time and we perfectly understand his situation but we would have wanted him to fight more for the opportunity to turn out in the national colours on Sunday.
Oliech is a very important player and his presence will be a major boost. We have talked to his club but the chairman is not keen to release him. We are hoping he will be here before Sunday’s match,” he told FeverPitch, at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium, yesterday.

In the absence of Origi, Stars have to settle on Jerim Onyango, Wilson Obungu or Wycliff Kasaya in goal.

Another player midfielder Ayub Timbe who plays for Ghent in Belgium is also doubtful for the tie and his place has been taken up by Norway-based Christian Bwamy.

United States of America-based defender Lawrence Olum joined the team on Wednesday morning with more foreign-based players expected in camp today.

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