Kenya eyes turnaround in Guinea Bissau reverse

Kenya coach Stanley Okumbi remains optimistic that Harambee Stars will bounce back and win against Guinea Bissau on Sunday in a AFCON 2017 Group E Day 4 clash.

The Harambee Stars lost the first leg away in Bissau 1-0 last Wednesday to deflate their hopes of pushing for the group’s automatic to Gabon but Okumbi is upbeat of a victory at home.

“We have trained well in recovery in the two days and we are looking forward to getting good results at home. We will definitely make some changes in the team and our aim is to play better and win in front of our fans,” Okumbi told CAFOnline.

“Guinea Bissau is not an easy team and they will come here also looking for the three points. We now know how to best tackle them and get away with a win,” Okumbi added.

Kenya sits bottom of the group with a single point and are winless so far. Any result other than victory against the West Africans will all but deflate their hopes of qualifying for Gabon.

Captain Victor Wanyama has urged on his team mates to put in a fight at home and ensure their campaign remains on track.

“We know that it is a bit hard now after losing on Wednesday, but we want to fight till the final game. The mistakes we did in Bissau should not be repeated. We never scored neither did we create many chances. At home, I am quite positive we can give in something,” said the Southampton midfielder.

Okumbi has made a few changes to the squad, bringing in Posta Rangers defender Jockins Atudo for David Owino who is suspended after picking two yellow cards. Greece-based winger Paul Were who scored for Kenya in their 1-1 draw against Congo on match day one is also available after missing the first leg.

Kenya last played at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 and since then, their hopes of returning to Africa’s biggest football extravaganza have always been bleak.