Defiant Migne not ready to resign after Kenya’s CHAN elimination

Harambee Stars coach Sebastien Migne. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Even as Kenyans continue to drown their sorrows with calls for Harambee Stars head coach Sebastien Migne’s head to roll following the loss to Tanzania, the Frenchman has dared Football Kenya Federation to fire him.

Kenya crashed out of the tournament restricted to footballers playing in their country of birth after losing 4-1 on penalties to Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

The match had ended in a barren draw at Kasarani, Nairobi, as it had in the first match played in Dar es Salaam a week earlier.

It means, Harambee Stars will have to wait for two more years to try and qualify for the finals of the competition in its sixth edition.

But for an umpteenth time, the Frenchman’s tactical ineptness, poor selection and fielding was exposed when it mattered most as his side produced a disjointed and lethargic performance.

And while addressing journalists at Kasarani, bullish Migne said he will not resign as it would be difficult for the Federation to pay the remainder of his three year contract.

FKF are currently embroiled in litigation with their two former coaches, Adel Amrouche and Bobby Williamson over unlawful dismissal.

“Resigning is the last thing I can talk about right now. You will have to check that with my president because I’m still under contract. But I think if it’s already difficult to pay me my salaries, will they pay the remainder of my contract?” Migne posed.

“I knew when I signed for Kenya, it would be difficult but I will continue working hard until maybe you sack me.”

Though that was more reminiscent of the struggles the team endured during the Afcon finals matches against eventual champions Algeria (2-0) and Senegal (3-0), Migne boldly reminded Kenyans of where the team was 15 years ago.

“Don’t forget where you (Kenya) were the last 15 years, you had never qualified for Afcon or CHAN. You’ve never been to the U17 or U20 Afcon finals and that means you don’t have the experience and maturity to contest at the highest level,” he said.

“In football everything is possible. For now is to try and qualify for Afcon again and maybe the World Cup, but we need to be realistic. If you get a coach who promises to qualify for the next World Cup sign him immediately.”

By the time the referee blew the full-time whistle, the prevalent inevitability of a goalless draw had sucked the life out of the fans, who had turned up at Kasarani.

Kenya just needed a comfortable win to secure a date in the final qualifying round against Sudan.

However, that never came to pass as Migne’s tweak in the line up returned to haunt him.

Instead of going all-out on attack, he resorted to field one striker and many midfielders.

Although Kenya defended solidly, they lacked quality in the final third with Kariobangi Sharks youngster Sydney Lokale being indecisive and wasteful upfront.

Migne’s gamble to bring on midfielder Ibrahim Shambi for injured right back Philemon Otieno also backfired as he had to replaced the Ulinzi Stars man with Mathare United’s David Owino after less than twenty minutes.

Midfielders Kenneth Muguna, Whyvonne Isuza and Owino did their best to try and cover up Kenya’s shortcomings upfront, but they never found a breakthrough.