Kenya v Tanzania: Migne demands spirit after Harambee Stars' fearful Algeria display

The stakes are high in Group C as neighbouring nations Kenya and Tanzania face each other in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

Published : Jun 27, 2019 01:20 IST

Kenya coach Sebastien Migne accepts his players were "afraid" as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations opener and urged them to show fighting spirit against Tanzania.

The Harambee Stars conceded twice in nine first-half minutes as Baghdad Bounedjah and Riyad Mahrez found the net in Cairo to get Algeria's Group C campaign off to a flying start.

As such, Migne is aware a positive result against Tanzania, which lost 2-0 to Senegal in their first group game, is vital if Kenya is to maintain hope of progressing beyond the group stage.

"Everything is possible," Migne told Goal. "We have played Tanzania before. We will try and defeat them and then play the 'final' against Senegal.

Read: Abahani late winner denies Chennaiyin knockout berth

"What we need to change going forward is our fighting spirit. We were afraid against Algeria. We refused to play.

"We are a team that can learn quickly. I don't know if it's an advantage for us to play our neighbours Tanzania, but I will give you an answer after the game."

Given the proximity of the two nations, Thursday's contest has been eagerly awaited by football fans in the region.

Star striker Mbwana Samatta expects Tanzania to come to a standstill during the match and has every faith in the team's coach Emmanuel Amunike to mastermind a victory.

"We've all been looking forward to this game for weeks. The streets in Tanzania will be empty. Everyone will be watching us," Samatta is quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle.

"A victory [is the target], of course. We can do that. Amunike will give us some tips and we will beat them."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kenya - Ayub Masika

For Michael Olunga to function at his best, he will need good supply from his wingers, and 26-year-old Masika brings experience of European and Chinese club football to Kenya's side, as well as a creative threat down the left flank.

Tanzania - Simon Msuva

Tanzania's target man is Genk striker Samatta, but tucked in behind him will be Msuva, whose task it is to unlock the Kenya defence.

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