After Kenya’s dismal performance in their opening match of the 2019 African Cup of Nation against Algeria, many Kenyans have been left with a lot of questions. It was one of the worst performance from Sebastien Migne’s charges. They looked timid, couldn’t string a few passes, were poor at the back and timid upfront, to cap it all they failed to register a shot on target in the entire game.
The two goals by Algeria were both as a result of the mistakes in the defense; The Desert Foxes got the opener in the 34th minute through Baghdad Bounedjah who converted from the penalty spot after Dennis Odhiambo Omino fouled Youcef Attal inside the penalty area. Mahrez scored the second goal when he ghosted unmarked and his shot was deflected home by Abud Omar.
However, Kenyans spotted that the defense problem was caused by laxity by the midfielders led by the team captain and Tottenham player Victor Wanyama.
KE midfield cannot string even 3 passes before losing ball.
Migne style of defend,exploit a mistake with a counter requires midfield to hold the ball to take off pressure from defense. Wanyama can’t play defensive role as he is coming from injury, cautious for next Spurs Season
— Duncan (@duncans_twitt) June 24, 2019
Major issues has been midfield.Kahata played on the wing..he is a creative midfielder.secondly our left back Abud Omar is weak responsible for the two goals.
— Bomori (@Sam94487102) June 24, 2019
Many have slammed Wanyama for lacking leadership skills and should not be allowed to lead the team when he can’t act as an example to deliver an impressive performance.
wanyama trying to carry his team pic.twitter.com/FzoAeN6DIy
— Verified (@njiiru) June 23, 2019
You all Said this is how #HarambeeStars play football..
Olunga and Wanyama Confirmed.😅😅#TeamKenya you made us Proud 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/c02cW34kdj— Samuel Githaiga (@GithaigaSamuel2) June 24, 2019
And now, Kenyans have remembered the days when Gor Mahia star Dennis Oliech was the national team’s captain. As a member of the Kenya national team, Oliech became his nation’s all-time record goalscorer with 34 goals before retiring from international football in 2016. His good record has left many Kenyans missing his days.
But the overwhelming support he received was an indicator that many have lost trust in the current captain Victor Wanyama.
Lameck De’gea Omondi Very true alikuwa anajituma the likes of musa Otieno a captain should learn how to calm his team mates especially when there is a lot of pressure and give them moral…. Even the penalty that Algeria got I will just blame Wanyama but not Dennis… Kama uli watch hiyo situation vizuri mtaa agree na mm
Benard Oduor Wanyama anakaa bubu kiwanjani kila saa nikufokia tu ref I agree with you 100%
Leon Kenta
You’re 1000% right. Leadership on&off the pitch has been missing since Oliech exited the scene.
Fred Odondo Jnr I second your point
Roba C-wo I support that101%
Philip Owino Philip Owino Unasema ukweli mtupu..capi must be vocal and questioning even the suspect fielding. ..the current stars captain though a good player is a certified coward!!🙄🙄even matasi can do better!
Stan Lee Apo ni ukweli uyu victor ata ajitumii anajiona yeye ni bro Sana
Daniel Okila nakubuka last time akitufungia gool ya stars tukishinda mali .
Mark Paul Moto kama pasi,achana na Denno,hawa wengine wanacheza hapa hawako serious
Danny Silva Oliech should have been included in the squad. Sometimes experience wins a match where favour has failed
Joram Mbiso the players we have these days are slay kings.i miss the old days when players were passionate on how they play not for money but because they loved soccer because they wanted there village teams or country to win. I wish these players could go back and watch Afcon and world cup of early 2000 and late 90s. Then they will know what i mean.
Oliech is still remembered for scoring five goals at the 2002 CECAFA Cup, leading Kenya to the title as well as getting the top scorer award. He also scored three goals, including the winning goal against Cape Verde Islands in the final match of 2004 AFCON qualification as Kenya qualified for the final tournament. He scored a goal in a 3–0 win over Burkina Faso in the 2004 African Cup of Nations itself.