Kenyans are still haunted by their humiliating defeat to Algeria on Sunday and have faulted head coach Sebastian Migne’s squad selection for the match.
Harambee Stars started their campaign on a wrong foot going down to the North Africans at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo. Manchester City forward and Algeria captain, Riyard Mahrez sealed the in just before the break after striker Baghdad Bounedjah had opened the scoring with a 34th-minute penalty.
READ: Kenyans inconsolable after humiliation by Algeria
Mahrez netted as he ghosted unmarked into the penalty area to strike in a pass pulled back from the byline that took a deflection off Kenya full-back Aboud Omar as it flew into the net with Matasi diving on the other end.
Frankly, Harambee Stars were overwhelmed by their opponents and this is clear from the match statistics.
However, Kenyans at home were not impressed with Migne’s selection and have since blamed him for the flop defense that gave Algeria the two goals.
Fans have questioned why Migne has been failing to utilize the experience of the former Gor Mahia defender David Owino (Calabar). Owino currently plays for ZESCO United in the Zambian Premier League.
You've a point fellow Journalist Mike. Calabar Owino will bring a healing to the defence. Again we don't have to respect our opponents too much!
— LAWRENCE MUTUKAA Snr. (@lorencomutukaa) June 24, 2019
Nakubaliana na wewe Mike. Na hapo mid Johanna “Tosh” Omollo lazima awe first 11. Anatuliza game proper.
— Churchill Ombima (@churchillombima) June 23, 2019
READ: The main talking points from Harambee Stars loss to Algeria
Hehehehe exactly my sentiments @MikeOkinyi Migne's ego is on another level. Calabar should be given his role…
— Amesa Jnr (@NyawaraAmesa) June 23, 2019
I wish he could see this tweet aki… Calaba is very good , especially in the air,
— Suleiman Kemboi (@Suleimankemboi) June 23, 2019
I agree that the defense was a mess. The midfield never offered enough protection
— John Odande (@jodande) June 24, 2019
After AFCON ama calabar game ya Tz aanze apo
— Hashim (@Sirzollo) June 24, 2019
i wonder why he does not like zesco players.Even teddy akumu would have been a better alternative in defence.Calabar needs to start the next games he has the calm that is needed in this level.
— kits oguk ogada (@kitsoguk) June 24, 2019
Squad: Patrick Matasi (GK), Philemon Otieno, Musa Mohammed, Joseph Okumu, Aboud Omar, Dennis Odhiambo( 89′ Ismail Gonzalez), Victor Wanyama, Francis Kahata (46′ Erick Ouma) Eric Johanna(71′ Johanna Omolo), Ayub Timbe, Michael Olunga.
Unused subs: John Oyemba, Farouk Shikalo, Bernard Ochieng, David Owino , Paul Were, Ovella Ochieng, John Avire, Masoud Juma
Kenya will head to their second match on Thursday against Tanzania 27 June before finishing their group stage matches on Monday 1 July against Senegal. Harambee Stars have to strive harder to keep their dream of going past group stages alive.