AFCON2019: Wanyama upbeat ahead of Algeria clash

 

Harambee Stars Captain and defending midfielder has confirmed his side’s readiness for their opening match against North-Westerners, Algeria who are led by Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez which is expected to be staged today from 11 pm.

Everything is now ready according to the captain who plays for the English side and UEFA Champions League finalists, Tottenham Hotspurs after four days of training in Egypt prior to three weeks in France where they had camped and had pre-Afcon friendlies.

“I don’t think we are under pressure. We were under more pressure during qualification. Here we are out to enjoy the game and most importantly show that we are not pushovers,” said Captain Wanyama ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

“Algeria is a good team. We respect them but on the pitch, we are going to fight. We will try to make it difficult for them,” added Wanyama.

The match, set to be played at the Air Defense Stadium as well as the other matches of the Group C (30 June Stadium) starting  23 hrs EAT, sees Kenya return on the continental tournament after recording a fifteen-year absence.

The Sebastian Migne boys have been in residential training since June 1st, 2019, and now have everything needed to start their duty today for their first clash.

Stars had a feel of the Air Defense Stadium on Saturday night ahead of today’s 11 pm kickoff.

In the meanwhile, there are claims that one of Harambee’s dependable centre-back, Joah Onyango, who plays for Gor-Mahia has been ruled out of the fixture against Algeria after picking what is believed to be an ankle injury during training.

The injury of the cool man and one of the best yet rough will be a big blow to Migne as he works on getting the player to partner with Musa Mohamed at the defence of the Stars as they try to stop Algeria to bag points that will help them in the next stages of the tournament.

Goalkeepers; 18. Patrick Matasi, 1. Faruk Shikalo, 23. John Oyemba.

Defenders; 5. Musa Mohamed,20. Philemon Otieno,  3. Abud Omar, 13. Eric Ouma, 4. Joash Onyango, 15. David Owino, 6. Bernard Ochieng.

Midfielders; 12. Victor Wanyama, 21. Dennis Odhiambo, 17. Ismael Gonzalez, 10. Eric Johanna, 2. Joseph Okumu, 19. Ovella Ochieng, 11. Francis Kahata, 7. Ayub Timbe, 8. Johanna Omollo, 16. Paul Were.

Forwards; 14. Michael Olunga 9. John Avire, 22. Masud Juma.

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