We don’t need stars to beat Nigeria – Kenya
JUNE 1, 2013
Amrouche
With Genk forward Ayub Timbe and Parma midfielder MacDonald Mariga the latest foreign-based players to decline his invitation to feature in the Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualifying game against Nigeria in Nairobi on June 5, Kenya coach Adel Amouche is putting his faith in the domestic league players.
Amrouche, who will miss the services of his talismanic striker Dennis Oliech and goalkeeper Arnold Origi, who are both suspended for the match, had banked on Timbe and Mariga to team up with Celtic midfield powerhouse Victor Wanyama for victory over the Super Eagles to reignite Kenya’s World Cup qualification hopes.
But while Timbe cited “personal reasons” for his decision to withdraw from the encounter, Mariga said he was due to undergo surgery in America.
Although Amrouche lamented the development, he insisted the Harambee Stars have enough quality to claim victory over the Eagles, who they held to a surprise 1-1 draw in their first leg engagement in Calabar on March 23.
“We have a young squad and I expect to field a good number of local players,” the Belgian coach told Nairobi-basedStandard Digital during the week.
“I believe they are capable of giving us a positive result against Nigeria.”
“The training has been good, so far. We still have a few more days to tie up loose ends.”
Meanwhile, Amrouche has recalled Ulinzi Stars forward Stephen Waruru as he searches for Oliech’s replacement.
The former Burundi coach said, “He is an impressive player with a lot of experience and.
“We need to score goals against Nigeria and it is therefore important that we have a sharp attacking force.”
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