Kenya and Togo are going head to head in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 qualification match slated for Monday, November 18, in Nairobi.
This will be a second match for each team after registering different results against their respective first opponents last week.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars picked a point courtesy of striker Michael Olunga against Egypt away in Alexandria while Togo’s Sparrow Hawks suffered a shock defeat at the hands of minnows Comoros.
Both the hosts Harambee Stars and the visitors jetted in the country on Saturday and had their final preparations at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday.
Head coach Francis Kimanzi has since expressed confidence ahead of the match despite the absence of goalkeeper Patrick Matasi and forward Ayub Timbe.
“The players are motivated and very focused on the match. We had a lot of positives to pick from our draw against Egypt. We will be looking to build on that and I am confident we will post positive results,” Kimanzi said.
“Our medical team is having a look at them but I think the match will be too soon for them. We, however, have enough depth in the team,” he explained.
On his part, Togo head coach Claude Le Roy is cautious ahead of the duel citing key players at Harambee Stars.
“They (Kenya) had a fantastic performance against Egypt and I know they have good forwards who play in Japan (Olunga), China (Timbe) and of course Victor Wanyama who is very experienced and plays in the English Premier League. They are a strong team and the game against Egypt proves it,” Le Roy said despite having notable experienced players in his squad as well.
His star players include Djene Dakonam who turns out for Getafe in the Spanish La Liga, midfielder Kossivi Amededjisso of Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, goalkeeper Barcola Malcom who is in the books of French side Lyon and Matthieu Dossevi, a midfielder who also plays in France for Toulouse.
Tickets for the match trade at Ksh200 (Terraces) and Ksh500 (VIP) and are sold at Kenya Cinema, Ngomongo Roundabout, Opposite Safari Park Hotel and outside Kasarani’s Gate 12.
The match kicks off at 7 pm (Kenyan time) at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.