Charles Nyende
7 October 2008
Nairobi — Kenya are bracing for a hostile reception in Conakry when they take on Guinea in a World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on October 12, team captain Robert Mambo said Tuesday.
"It is always difficult playing in West Africa. Everybody seems to be against you: From the crowd, the reception and the referees. We know it will be hard playing in Conakry," Mambo, a veteran of many similar encounters, said.
Mambo, who turns 29 on October 25, is one of the most experienced players in the team and a reliable head to put things in perspective.
"We know this is business. It is a very important match for us since we are still not guaranteed 100 percent of qualifying and need good results to secure qualification," he said.
Finish in style
Kenya lead Group Two with 10 points and can clinch the automatic qualification spot for group winners with a draw against the second-placed Guinea (eight points).
"Guinea know they must beat us to guarantee qualification and they will be coming hard at us. But we know if we are focused we can get good results.
"We want to finish in style by topping our group," Mambo said. The GIF Sundsvall (Sweden) midfielder said was the first European-based professional to report to camp and had a run with his national teammates yesterday morning.
Dennis Oliech (Auxerre, France), Patrick Oboya (Siad Most, Czech Republic), Jamal Muhammed (Enkoping, Sweden) and Macdonald Mariga (Parma, Italy) together with Yanga's George Owino reported to camp Tuesday.
Petro Atletico (Angola) striker Allan Wanga was expected to arrive in Nairobi from his Luanda base Tuesday
Mambo welcomed the return of Oliech after serving a one match suspension saying it was a big boost to the team.
Tactical acumen
"Now that Dennis (Oliech) is back there will be added confidence in the team. He is that kind of person. Also, our striking force is back on power," the Stars captain said.
Oliech, just like in the 2004 qualification campaign, is the leading goal getter for Kenya currently having accounted for three of Stars' six goals in this campaign.
Mambo said the current squad had been together since May, knew each other well, and had no excuse getting the desired results in Conakry.Coach Francis Kimanzi has shown his tactical acumen to get the results regardless of the blend of football.
He showed it with a defensive draw against Zimbabwe in Harare and a nervously, unadventurous 1-0 home victory against low rated Namibia.Harambee Stars leave Thursday aboard a KQ flight for Conakry, via Bamako, Mali.
The KPL/KFF Harambee Stars management board joint secretary Jack Oguda said the Government had finalised arrangements with the national carrier, Kenya Airways.
The Government has committed itself to pay for the team's accommodation while in camp at Kasarani and air travel to Conakry.
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