Harambee Stars’ hope of proceeding past the group stages in the African Cup of Nation flopped after the unfavourable result from group F Tuesday matches. Kenya was banking on Benin’s loss to Cameroon to be among the best four third-placed teams after blowing their golden chance to Senegal on Monday.
76" | Kenya 0-2 Senegal
Sadio Mane doubles the lead for the Teranga Lions after Musa Mohammed failed to deal with him#AFCON2019 #KENSEN pic.twitter.com/seOSaCbVCK
— OurAfricanFootball.com (@ourAfricanFooty) July 1, 2019
Benin were the lucky ones as they remained resilient against the defending champions and played a goalless draw. The result meant that Benin qualified ahead of Harambe Stars on virtue on being one of the 3rd best teams. The West Africa side beat Kenya in goal difference as they had 0 while Kenya trailing on -4.
Where did the rain start beating Kenya?
Despite Kenya’s massive investment on their national team and the proper preparation, Harambee Stars only managed to luckily win one match against Tanzania. This is after they were beaten 2-0 by Algeria in their opener before being thrashed 3-0 by Senegal.
However, Kenya’s main problem was visible as they lacked a strong midfield that could connect the defence and the striking force. They mostly played around their half and this gave the opponents an easy time to break their defence.
But according to fans, here is where everything went wrong;
Fans believe that the omission of Teddy Antony Akumu was the beginning of failure. Akumu currently plays for the Zambian Premier League side ZESCO United as a midfielder. The 26-year-old formerly played for KPL giants Gor Mahia and Al Khartoum and made his international debut for Kenya in 2011.
Kenyans view him as a prolific midfielder who can take the country miles. In fact, they nicknamed him ‘Vieira’ after former French midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was considered one of the best players of his generation.
Fans, however, support the fact that his omission has cost Kenya dearly;
Farouk Wainaina ✔️💯🔥huyu nae ni tick hundred percent na ni moto DM’S wale wamekua Misri hawamtoshi mboga👀
J Pako Berchy I played again him many time and I can attest this guy is gifted.he make things look so easy,he play with no pressure #RawTalent
Timothy Obonyo We missed him in that mid,long leg
Olilo Wa Machayo This is where we started loosing it
Jerald Odhiambo Viera ni artist
Kudos Team Kenya at least we feel your representation there…. To the whole squad you really deserved But Wanyama you are the least performer…. I wonder why Antony Akumu “Teddy” how did he not make to the Squad
Sebastian Migne alludes lack of experience as reason behind #HarambeeStars
2-0 Loss to Algeria yet he dropped the likes of seasoned top Scorer, Allan Wanga, Jesse Were and Antony Akumu. Guy is just a confused tourist, we need to start believing in our own Kenyan Coaches #ALGKEN
Its sad that Brian Mandela missed out of AFCON 2019 due to injury. He is a solid defender. But why would the coach drop Antony Akumu? Akumu literally controls the midfield. He is good both when defending and…
Kenya will have to go back to the drawing board and make the necessary improvements ahead of the next AFCON competition in 2021, which will take place in Cameroon.
READ: AFCON2019: A look at Sadio Mane’s performance against Kenya