2019 Afcon
We need a good start against Algeria – Migne
Kenya’s head coach Sebastien Migne has made it clear that they will need to be at their best to start well in Group C of the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Harambee Stars will battle Algeria later tonight at the 30 June Stadium. Tanzania, making a return to the competition after last appearing in 1980 will open the Group with a game against the star studded Senegal.
“With such tournaments we must make sure the start is good. I have told my players to go play their hearts out,” said Migne on Saturday while inspecting the pitch at night.
He made it clear that since they did well in the qualification process, they now have to confirm their status in the tournament. “I know a lot about the Algerian team and we shall handle them with a lot of caution,” he added.
England based Victor Wanyama and Michael Olunga are expected to play pivotal roles for the Harambee Stars, while Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez leads the Desert Fennecs.
For the first game Tanzania who prepared well ahead of the tournament will face an acid test against a hungry Senegal side.
Emmanuel Amunike, Tanzania’s coach said they are up to the task to battle against Senegal. “Forget about the years when some of these teams used to win 6-0. This time it’s a different ball game,” warned Amunike.
CECAFA representatives Uganda Cranes and Burundi kicked started their campaign in the on-going 2019 Total Africa Cup of nations (AFCON) on Saturday with different results.
At the Cairo International Stadium Uganda brushed a side the democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 in a Group A match, while Burundi fell 1-0 to Nigeria in a Group B match played in Alexandria.
Patrick Henry Kaddu scored for Uganda after 30 minutes with a well taken headed goal, while Arnold Emmanuel Okwi made it 2-0 after 48 minutes. Both goals were assisted by Farouk Miya.
DR Congo lead by England based Yannick Bolasie Youssouf Mulumbu failed to get their act together as Uganda Cranes dominated play in all departments.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre said he was happy that they started the tournament with a win. Okwi was voted man of the match. Uganda will next face Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
In Alexandria Burundi played tight but conceded a goal against three-time winners Nigeria after 77 minutes. Second half substitute Odion Ighalo scored the only goal with a curled finish past Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana.
CECAFA’s other representatives Kenya and Tanzania will be in action in Group C on Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
Two representatives of the Council for East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) Zone Burundi and Uganda will kick-start their campaigns in the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations today.
Uganda Cranes will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second Group A game at the Cairo International Stadium this afternoon. Egypt beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in the opening game of this group.
Sebastien Desabre, Uganda’s head coach has made it clear that their objective is to qualify for the knock out stage. “We need to make sure we get a good start in the tournament because this sets the momentum for us,” added the coach.
The Cranes will look to the experienced players like skipper and goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Godfrey Walusimbi, Micheal Azira and Emmanuel Okwi.
Burundi who will be making their first appearance at the AFCON will be up against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Alexandria.
Saido Berahino who features for Stoke City FC in England is expected to lead the Burundi team.
Berahino who made the decision to switch his allegiance to the country of his father’s birth, despite being eligible to play for England featured prominently in the qualifiers and scored the equalizing goal against Gabon in the first leg.
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