On paper, Zambia’s Chipolopolo are by all accounts favourites to win today’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Harambee Stars at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Winners of the 2012 edition, Zambia have never missed qualifying for Africa’s major football tournament since 2006 and have never been beaten or conceded in the last five Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches in the last one year.
Kenya on the other hand last qualified for the continental show piece in 2004 and since then have been fighting without success to replicate the same performance and therefore have little history behind them going into the fixture.
However, a major shift in African football over the last few years could just turn the tide in Kenya’s favour.
Already, this campaign has brought about some interesting results if you consider that Zambia were held at home by lowly ranked Guinea Bissau in the first group match and it clearly shows there are no longer minnows in Africa and past records remain just that—records.
Kenya themselves registered an impressive 1-1 draw against highly rated Congo away in Brazzaville in the group opener in June which put Stars joint top of Group E with the Congolese.
It was one those rare results registered by a Kenyan side away and it has ignited hopes of going all the way to Gabon in 2017.
Kenyan captain Victor Wanyama says the team has the necessary experience to pick positive results at home.
The Southampton midfielder insists past results against Zambia will count for nothing going into today’s fixture.
“We all agree we will face a tough side, but we are an equally good side with plenty of experience in the team. It is also a fact that our record against Zambia has not been anything to write home about, but we have since grown and learnt from our mistakes,” he said.
With a good number of the current team having the last chance to play at Africa’s most prestigious competition, Wanyama admitted that there is pressure to deliver.
“It is the last chance for a good number of players and the fact we have always been trying to get there does not make things better and therefore we need to fight to the last minute,” Wanyama said.
Harambee Stars have been boosted by the return of Norway-based goalkeeper Arnold Origi who despite arriving late is sure of starting between the posts.
For such a big match, Kenya desperately need the services of Origi who has managed to break into the first team of his Norwegian side Lillestrom.
He remains a safe pair of hands in goal surrounded by Brian Mandela, David ‘Calabar’ Owino, Lawrence Olum and Dennis Odhiambo in defence.
Coach Bobby Williamson is spoilt for choice on whom to pick in midfield. He has Collins Okoth, Ayub Timbe, Johanna Omollo, Humprey Mieno and Paul Were to pick from.
The forward line still remains a concern with few goals in the past and it remains to be seen whether the presence of Dennis Oliech who could start alongside either Michael Olunga, Allan Wanga or Jesse Were can make a difference in a match where goals are desperately needed.
Assistant coach Musa Otieno says Harambee Stars cannot afford to drop points at home if they are to qualify for the 2017 African Cup of Nations.
Stars kick off the first of their three group home games today when they host Zambia’s Chipolopolo in their second match of the qualifying sequence.
If they are to move on to their first Afcon in over a decade, they will have to more or less win their home games and hope for some positives on the road as has already been in Congo. Otieno, a former Stars captain says that they have no option other than will all their home matches.
“We cannot lose home games if we are to qualify. That is an open secret,” he said. “The truth is that we have to play well at home and we have to strive for all 9 points on offer, which I think we are capable of.”
“Our home record is decent and I am sure we can get the points we need to compliment our good result away in Congo. The last time we qualified for Afcon we were unbeaten at home and that is going to have to be our blueprint this time,” he added. Stars are wary of what Zambia are capable of.
“They are a good side, have been Afcon champions recently and carry with them some experienced players and others who feature in top leagues,” he said. — Supersport.com