The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Kimanzi happy with Nigeria victory

Football

By By Gilbert Wandera | Jun 05, 2012

By Gilbert Wandera

Harambee Stars coach Francis Kimanzi says Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Namibia is a good result for his side who were held to a barren draw by Malawi on Saturday.

Kimanzi said the result leaves his side just two points behind group leaders Nigeria and with an impressive goal difference.

“The 1-0 result is positive for us because the goal difference is manageable. It means we need to get a positive result in Namibia and we are on our way to catch up with them,” he said.

Stars will play Namibia this Sunday in their second World Cup qualifier. Kimanzi is not shocked by the narrow loss suffered by Namibia away insisting that playing at home always put the hosts under pressure.

Keep Reading

“Playing at home is always difficult for the hosts. You are under extreme pressure to score and if it does not happen in the opening minutes of the game, it makes things worse and creates a sense of panic. “This is what happened to us on Saturday. The pressure was too much on us just like it must have been for Nigeria at home,” he said.

Kimanzi once again said it is not over for Kenya this being a league format.

“We are going to Namibia to try and get a positive result away. After this we have to win in Togo and make it to the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,” Kimanzi said.

Stars take on Togo on June 16 in their return Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Stars won the first leg match 2-1 in March at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Elsewhere, Kimanzi has defended the selection of Jamal Mohammed in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.

Jamal defended

Kimanzi said the Mathare United midfielder was fielded on the basis of his performance in the past and he saw no reason to bench him despite the fact that he rarely plays for his Kenyan Premier League side.

“Mohammed was impressive when we played against Togo and that earned him a place in my starting line-up. We cannot keep on changing the team in every game because it kills our continuity,” Kimanzi said.

He also defended the player’s performance on Saturday insisting he was at his best.

He said it was difficult for him to make the decision to field new comers, but he had no choice following injuries to key players.

“We have to start somewhere with some of this players and I am impressed that those like Clifford Miheso (left back) put up a brilliant performance even though it was his first time playing for Stars.

“This is the only way to bring in new players into the team and it gives us some positives from the match,” he said.