Advantage Emerging Stars in Olympic qualifier return leg
What you need to know:
- The Francis Kimanzi-coached side hit five goals past the Islanders in the first leg staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Wednesday
- With a ticket to the second round theirs to lose, it's unlikely that Kimanzi will make swift changes to the Wednesday team
- For Mauritius coach Sekoor Boodhun, what remains is playing for pride at their backyard
Kenya’s Emerging Stars carry a big advantage to Port Louis for the return leg of the first round Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations/Olympic Games qualifier against Mauritius Under-23 at Anjalay Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
They need to avoid losing by more than five goals to proceed to the second round where they are scheduled to play the aggregate winner between Seychelles and Sudan who battled to a one-all draw in the first leg match at Linite Stadium in Victoria on Wednesday.
Sudan host Seychelles in the decisive second leg match on Tuesday with the second round ties slated for March next year.
The eight teams that make it to the continental showpiece will fight for the three slots reserved for Africa at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The top 3 teams in next year's Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations will qualify for the Olympics.
Madagascan referee Andofetra Avombitana will be the man at the centre assisted by compatriots Lionel Hasinjarasoa and Ravonirina Harizo.
Kimanzi led a team of 19 players on a four-hour flight to Port Louis on Friday afternoon before making a one-and-a-half-hour road trip to Belle Vue Maurel, the venue of the match.
Belle Vue is a village located on the northern part of the Island that houses the prominent 18,000-seater Anjalay Stadium.
“We head into the game with the same spirit, confidence and motivation we showed on Wednesday to do much better,” revealed Kimanzi.
Harambee Stars coach Sebastien Migne also travelled with the team and is expected to monitor the youngsters from the sidelines to beef up the senior team.
For Mauritius coach Sekoor Boodhun, what remains is playing for pride at their backyard.
“It’s difficult to overturn such a score,” admits Boodhun, “We will try because at least we’ve some information about our opponent and believe me, it will not be five again but it will be a good match.”
With a ticket to the second round theirs to lose, it's unlikely that Kimanzi will make swift changes to the Wednesday team.
Kariobangi Sharks forward Sydney Lokale could start ahead of KCB’s Chrispinus Onyango with USA-based Joseph “Crouch” Okumu captaining the side from defence.
Brian Bwire, also of Kariobangi Sharks, could retain his position in between the sticks as sensational James Mazembe and speedy Ovella Ochieng provide width on the flanks.
England-based duo of striker Jonah Ayunga and midfielder Henry Ochieng’ were dropped from this trip.
Probable lineup
Brian Bwire (GK), Johnstone Omurwa, David Owino, Yusuf Mainge, Joseph Okumu (captain), Teddy Osok, Ibrahim Shambi, James Mazembe, Pistone Mutamba, Ovella Ochieng, Sydney Lokale.
