New Stars boss sets sights on AFCON progress

Newly appointed Harambee Stars head coach Sebastian Migne is optimistic Kenya will sail through to the Cameroon 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite starting on a losing note.

Stars were dimmed 2-1 by Sierra Leone in Free Town in the opening match of the Group F in June last year, leaving them third in without a point, just above Ethiopia who were hammered 5-0 by leaders Ghana.

Migne sees Ethiopia as the entry route to the next year’s continental showpiece, sinlging out Ghana as the major obstacle.

“It is a shame that we started by losing to Sierra Leone, but we still have a chance. Ethiopia will be very important to us because if win both home and away and then get something from Sierra Leone we can get somewhere,” he noted.

Two teams will from each group qualify for the tournament, following its expansion from 16 to 24.

He is however concerned with Kenya’s rate of conceding goals, something he wants rectified before the Black Stars tie.

“I have followed our last games, and I think we are conceding too much. We need to score, but if we can avoid conceding the better. That notwithstanding, I will talk more on our abilities after I meet my players,” added the coach, cautioning against Ghana’s lethal attack.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced three friendlies in preparation for the September 6 clash will be the first qualifier under Migne.

However, details of teams to face Kenya in the buildups set for May and June in Nairobi are yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, Migne has warned he will have no special players in his team, hinting local based players could constitute most of his team.

“The truth is seen on the pitch. I cannot say just because a player is based abroad they are guaranteed a place in the team. There are however some realities, if you play in Tottenham Hotspurs, you are more likely to be selected, but selection will be purely on what you show on the field. I cannot Judge anyone for now, for the door to the national team is now open to come out or come in,” said the former Congo Brazzaville assistant coach.

He will be assisted by Nicolas Bouriquet while Guilane Breul will be the goalkeeper’s trainer.