The Stars are primed for AFCON honours, says Big Vic Wanyama

Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama says Kenya is not heading to the Africa Cup of Nations finals to make up the numbers but to challenge for honours.

The Stars are primed to make a first an appearance at the continental showpiece for the first time after a 15-year hiatus and the big Wanyama believes his team mates have enough gas in their tanks to push their agenda, strong enough.

“We are not going there as participants, we are in the competition to win, we will play each game as a final.

“We have given our best in training and in the two friendly matches that we have played and I feel we’re ready for the tournament,” said Wanyama.

Wanyama’s sentiments were echoed by defensive stalwart Dennis Odhiambo who urged fans to rally behind the team.

Pooled in Group C together with Senegal, Algerai and neighbours Tanzania, the Stars are viewed as underdogs but Odhiambo, one of the few utility players in Migne’s rank and file believes they’ll work their socks off.

He said:  “We are not the favourite but we have worked hard enough to be here, it won’t be easy but we are determined to make Kenyans proud.

“The group is very tough but if the going gets tough only the tougher gets going and that’s what we are preparing for,” said the combative midfielder who has the ability to play as a shield to the back-four or as a left back.

Stars will face Algeria in the first match this Sunday before facing neighbours Tanzania in the second match of the group on Wednesday, June 27  before winding up the group stage matches with a tough encounter against Senegal on July 1.

Eric Johanna talks about the importance of winning the first match.

“It’s important to win the first match in any tournament because it sets the pace for the entire tournament.

He went on: “Every day to me is a learning process. I want to improve in each and every game, that’s the hard work I’m putting on,”Johanna told Football Kenya Federation website.