Kenyan soccer team optimistic ahead of Namibia match
5/9/2008 17:55
Kenya captain Robert Mambo has expressed optimism of beating Namibia in
tomorrow's World Cup/AfricaCup of Nations soccer qualifier in Nairobi.
"We
will be at home tomorrow, and we know when we are playing at home we are always
on top of our game," the experienced GIF Sundsvall (Sweden) midfielder said,
according to the Daily Nation today.
Kenya are second in Group Two of the
qualifiers with seven points, the same points as leaders Guinea, but with
inferior goal difference.
They have to beat Namibia by a big margin tomorrow
and stop Guinea in Conakry on October 10 in order to top the pool and reach the
second round of the qualifiers.
Harambee Stars have indeed been imperious
playing at home this season downing the higher ranked Guinea and Zimbabwe with
2-0 identical score lines in the current campaign.
But, Mambo, a veteran of
many qualifiers spanning almost a decade, said he expected a tough game against
the Brave Warriors, who hold a 3-0 record against Kenya.
"Namibia are a tough
side but we will stick to our plan. This is a very important game for us. We
know if we win we are right there challenging for the top position in the group
but if we draw or lose we will be thinking of something else," Mambosaid.
The
Harambee Stars can climb to pole position with a good win against Namibia,
assuming Guinea, who are away to Zimbabwe on the weekend, falter.
Only the
top team from each of the 12 groups and the eight best runners-up will qualify
for the final phase of elimination.
The 20 teams will be grouped in five
pools of four teams each for another round-robin affair to pick Africa's
representative to the 2010 World Cup.
Mambo said the team had learnt from
their 2-1 early opening loss to Namibia in May and tomorrow's encounter will be
a different ball game.
"We lost because of a lapse in concentration that
resulted in us conceding the second goal. Otherwise we played well. The team
picked up from there and we are all looking ahead to another good
result."
Kenya are at near full strength and will only be lacking Auxerre
striker Dennis Oliech, who is suspended for this match. Oliech has accounted for
three of Kenya's five goals in the qualifiers and Mambo admitted his absence
will be felt.
"It is obvious the loss of Oliech is a big blow to us. But we
have to look up and play more for him. We are ready for the challenge," he
said.
Mambo believes Mariga's presence would be good for them, which have to
win tomorrow's match to stand a realistic chance of reaching the second round of
the qualifiers.
Mariga was carried off the field minutes after scoring the
first goal against Zimbabwe on June 14 at Nyayo Stadium after he suffered a deep
cut on his right shin that forced him to miss the return leg a week
later.
"Mariga's return is a major boost. I am certain he will make a big
impact when we face Namibia because he is strong, fast and possesses great
skills," said Mambo.
"We really missed him during our match in Harare on June
21 where we struggled 0-0 and I believe with his return," he
added.
Xinhua
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