Coach Mwathi confident ahead of Libya tie

 By REBECCA GICHANA

Zambian player (holding the ball) tackled by Kenyan players during the African Youth Championship in Kasarani on Monday. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA]

After beating Zambia 31-22 on Monday, Kenya’s coach Peter Mwathi is exuding confidence ahead of their third match against Libya as the 9th edition of African Youth Championship enters the fifth day today.

Kenya won against Zambia to book a date with Libya in the fight for fifth place today at the Safaricom Indoor Arena, Nairobi.

“The boys played with caution in the first half but we were able to pick up in the second half. We want to approach the next match with caution because it will not be an easier one,” said the tactician.

Jack Sandan, also a coach, echoed Mwathi’s sentiments saying it will be a very difficult match but they will do their best to take the fifth position.

“Libya is a very good team but the boys need to concentrate for us to finish among the top five. There is a bit laxity with some players but we hope for the best,” Sandan told FeverPitch, yesterday.

The championship has recorded a low crowd turn out in the arena and Sandan is urging home fans to turn out and cheer the team.

In another encounter, Egypt will play Tunisia in a hotly contested semi final, arguably the final before the final.

This will be the second time the two teams are meeting after they met in the second edition of the Youth Mediterranean Confederation Championship in Italy, month. During the encounter, the teams played to a 32-32 draw with the Pharaohs winning in post match penalties.

Tunisia head coach Hassen Mounir tips the clash to be a difficult one considering the fact their opponents are physically strong.

Tunisia National Technical Director said: “Egypt has slim chances of winning but lets wait and see how the match goes since both teams have mastered their opponents’ techniques.”

Egypt beat Libya 33-16 to earn four maximum points to top their group while Tunisia defeated Algeria 26-21 to book the semi-final slot.

Algeria will battle it out with Angola in another semi-final match of the day.

Egypt, who took part in the 2011 Youth Men World Championships where they finished fourth, are favourites to clinch clinch the continental title. —[email protected]