Harambee Stars 3-0 win against was Kenya’s second in the group and takes their points tally to seven and an inch closer to the Afcon slated for Cameroon next year. The game witnessed a massive crowd that filled the 60,000 sitter capacity facility to the brim.
The win earns the team Ksh50 million bonus from the government.But there are factors that may actually prevent the National team from qualifying for the Tournament.Here are some of them:
With Sierra suspended by Fifa, Stars have basically qualified for the continental championship however, fans will have to wait for a confirmation on the fate of Sierra Leone. The world football governing body FIFA on Friday suspended Sierra Leone Football Association from all activities with immediate effect due to government interference. As a result, the federation has lost all its membership rights with its national teams and affiliated clubs no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted.
The move is likely to have a direct impact on Harambee Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) from Group “F” where the West African nation had been pooled alongside Kenya, Ghana and Ethiopia. Ghana, who were set to play back-to-back Cup of Nations qualification matches against Sierra Leone next week, also forego the fixtures with three teams now composing the group whose top two finishers will automatically qualify for the 24-team Afcon in Cameroon.
“This also means that neither the SLFA nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from Fifa or Caf. Moreover, and in accordance with article 16 paragraph 3 of the Fifa Statutes, other member associations may not entertain sporting contact with the SLFA during its suspension,” read part of the statement published on Fifa’s official website on Friday.
Four points from the double-clash have seen Kenya through from Group F after FIFA banned Sierra Lione, the other member of the group which also has Ghana. Kenya lost 2-1 to Sierra Leone in their first qualifier last year while Ethiopia beat them 1-0 last month in round two fixtures of the matches.
With the ban in place, all the results against the West African country stand cancelled, giving Kenya, who beat Ghana 1-0 last month an edge over Ethiopia, who are now without a point.
Ghana, who thumped Ethiopia 5-0 in their opener are tied on three points with Kenya in the group. Efforts to have the ban lifted for Sierra Leone to play Ghana in the other group’s double header hit a snag Tuesday after FIFA rejected Sierra Leone FA appeal.
Should the two Siera Leone matches against Ghana be restored and they win both [siera Leone], they will have 9 points and if Ethiopia beats Ghana then Harambee Stars Lose their last match against the Black Stars,In the end Sierra Leone and Ghana will be the ones Qualifynig and Kenya will have to wait untill AFCON 2021.
The Zurich-based world’s football body made it known that the ban can only be removed when suspended Sierra Leone FA president Isha Johansen and secretary general Chris Camara are reinstated.
The duo were prevailed upon to step aside by the country’s anti-corruption body over graft charges they are currently facing.Two teams will qualify for the tournament from the group. Ghana now remain with only two fixtures against Kenya at home and Ethiopia away.