Lechantre: Kenya tie is a must win
Congo coach Pierre Lechantre has said his team does not have two choices heading into their crucial Group E Day Five qualifier against Kenya’s Harambee Stars on Sunday, 5 June 2016 in Nairobi.
The French coach who won the AFCON in 2000 with Cameroon has dubbed the tie a must win but has warned his team to expect a tough encounter from the hosts.
Congo’s Red Devils trained at Sunday’s match venue, the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and appeared in high spirits ahead of the game.
“This is a very important match for us and we don’t have any choice. It is either we win, or nothing. If we want to go to the AFCON, we have to work hard and get good results against Kenya,” Lechantre told CAFOnline after the team’s training session.
“Kenya is a very good team and I have watched their clips against Guinea Bissau and they don’t deserve to have one point. I know they have very good players and we should treat the match very seriously,” the coach said.
Congo trails group leaders Guinea Bissau by a point and are only separated from third placed Zambia on goal difference. A loss at the hands of Kenya will complicate their chances especially if Zambia beat Guinea Bissau in the other group match.
Kenya’s only point in the group came via an opening draw against ‘Diables Rouges’ in Brazzaville but Lechantre has said things will be different this time round as most of his foreign based players are available as compared to the first leg.
Among the players who did not face Kenya in Brazzaville is French based striker Thievy Bifouma. Speaking ahead of the match, the forward said his team mates are motivated to get three points against Kenya though he reckons it will be a tough task.
“Kenya is a good team, I know them for long. They have good players and we should be very strong and play seriously. But we have the belief that we can make it,” Bifouma noted.
Lechantre also adds his side will bring their A-game against Kenya.
“We have to go and attack from the first minute. This time we have a strong squad but again, even with a strong squad results might fail to come. I only hope we can be lucky on that day and get to win,” the former Lille OSC striker told CAFOnline.com
Meanwhile, Kenya will have last minute worries with defender Jockins Atudo having pulled out of training on Friday morning with an ankle injury. However, coach Stanley Okumbi says he has plenty of cover with Musa Mohammed who plays for Kenyan champions Gor Mahia expected to fill the void.