Okumbi ready for Zambia showdown

Kenya sits bottom in

“For us this is a very important match because we want to finish our campaign positively and also improve on our FIFA rankings. I know it is going to be a very tough match because I have watched how Zambia plays and they are a good side,” Okumbi said.

The 2012 African champions won the first leg 2-1 in Nairobi, a result that virtually blasted Kenya’s hopes of making it to the AFCON for the first time in 12 years.

The Harambee Stars will be going for revenge in Ndola with striker Michael Olunga who scored the lone goal in the reverse upbeat they stand a chance.

“We know that everyone is disappointed we didn’t do well in the qualifiers but we have a chance of finishing in style. We are going to Zambia to redeem ourselves and I am confident we can win,” Olunga said.

Olunga has been in fine form for his Swedish club Djugardens, scoring three goals in the last five matches taking his season tally to six, and hopes to carry on that form to the match against Zambia.

The Kenyans warmed up for the match with a 0-0 draw away to Uganda in Kampala last Tuesday and from the match Okumbi picked up some pointers to work on, including his forward line.

Okumbi has urged his players to remain calm and composed in front of goal, as he looks to build on the vital win against Congo last March and endear himself further to Kenyan fans.

Kenya will line up three Zambia-based players namely David Owino, midfielder Anthony Akumu and striker Jesse Were, all on the books of Orange CAF Champions League semi-finalists Zesco United.

The trio will not only come up against club team mates with the Chipolopolo but head coach George Lwandamina as well.

“It will be a very interesting match. The coach has always been teasing me about it in training and this time I want to come out tops in the contest,” said defender Owino will might come up against his team mate Jackson Mwanza and former team mate Winston Kalengo who joined AC Leopards at the start of the season.