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2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Group C preview

By Liam Bekker

CAIRO, EGYPT - JUNE 17: General view of the exterior of Cairo International Stadium on 17th June, 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Visionhaus)
CAIRO, EGYPT - JUNE 17: General view of the exterior of Cairo International Stadium on 17th June, 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Visionhaus) /
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Kenya’s players celebrate after scoring a goal during the AFCON 2019 qualifier match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, on October 14, 2018. (Photo by Stafford Ondego / AFP) (Photo credit should read STAFFORD ONDEGO/AFP/Getty Images)
Kenya’s players celebrate after scoring a goal during the AFCON 2019 qualifier match at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, on October 14, 2018. (Photo by Stafford Ondego / AFP) (Photo credit should read STAFFORD ONDEGO/AFP/Getty Images) /

Kenya

Kenya will be making their sixth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations and first since the 2004 edition. The East African nation has never made it beyond the first round but may stand a chance of bucking that trend as one of the best third-placed teams in the extended format of the competition.

Qualification

Kenya’s qualification campaign got off to a poor start following a 2-1 defeat to Sierra Leone. However, their West African opponents were subsequently disqualified which resulted in all qualifying matches played by them being annulled.

Inspired by star striker Michael Olunga, Sebastien Migne’s men made the most of their “second opportunity” by claiming wins over Ethiopia and Ghana to ultimately end second behind the latter in the group standings.

The squad

Migne has mixed things up with his squad selection for the AFCON tournament. Victor Wanyama and Michael Olunga are the biggest names in the squad but a number of lesser known players have also been selected, including John Avire and USL-based defender Joseph Okumu.

There are a number of notable exclusions from the squad too. Brian Mandela withdrew after he suffered a late injury while familiar faces such as Allan Wanga and Jesse Were were left out completely.

Key player: Victor Wanyama

Often times a nation’s best player is also their captain. That is no different for Kenya who will be reliant on the performances of their inspirational leader Victor Wanyama. The Tottenham Hotspur star is one of the foremost defensive midfielders in Europe and will be integral to his side’s chances.

Wanyama will have the task of marshalling the center of the park by breaking up opposition attacks and linking the play between his own defenders and forwards. If he’s able to control the midfield, Kenya will have more freedom to attack which will allow the likes of Olunga up front to do what they do best – score goals.

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