The 32nd edition of the African Cup of Nation is just a few days away! This is going to be one of the most glorious moments in history for Kenya and according to the support from the whole nation, poor performance will really heartbreak many Kenyans.
For fifteen good years, Harambee Stars have never featured in the AFCON and that’s why just like a prodigal son, Kenya is eagerly waiting to grace this wonderful bit.
Currently, Stars are at Paris in France for the preparations of Africa’s elite tournament which is slated for 21st June to 19 July at Cairo in Egypt. The Football Kenya Federation themselves have not left us out and have been updating the public on the progress at the training ground.
Goalkeeper trainer Guillaume Coffy taking his charges through their paces#Tunaweza #BetinNaStars #AFCON2019 #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/LoNJFlaZ20
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) June 10, 2019
Betin moment of the day
Time for Engineer Olunga to teach us some Japanese#Tunaweza #BetinNaStars #HarambeeStars #AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/nUFvtXyF5l
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) June 10, 2019
The government has also shown its support as President Uhuru Kenyatta assured them of his full support and the commitment of his government to stand with the squad to the end. He said these as he was handing the flag to the players before they left for France.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has encouraged Harambee Stars players to be at their best and represent the country well while in Egypt for the #AFCON2019 tournament. The President flagged off the team at State House, Nairobi ahead of the continental championship @AMB_A_Mohammed pic.twitter.com/USS3XJRawx
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) May 30, 2019
Recently, the Sports CS Amina Mohammed also visited the players in France and had a wonderful moment with them. This confirmed that the government is indeed committed to seeing Stars progress.
“I had a session with the players. They are very pleased with the facility, the arrangements as well as the support they are getting from the management. We are happy that it is money well spent,”
~ @AMB_A_Mohammed#Tunaweza #BetinNaStars #AFCON2019 #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/iaJmtjdzcN— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) June 10, 2019
The 23-man squad has been named and many Kenyans believe that they can help Stars lift the AFCON trophy at least for the first time since its inception in 1957.
Here is the full list of the squad;
Goalkeepers
Patrick Matasi, John Oyemba, Faruk Shikalo
Defenders
Philemon Otieno, Abud Omar, Bernard Ochieng, Musa Mohammed, Joash Onyango, Joseph Okumu, David Owino, Eric Ouma
Midfielders
Victor Wanyama, Dennis Odhiambo, Erick Johanna, Ayub Timbe, Francis Kahata, Ismael Gonzalez, Ovella Ochieng, Paul Were, Johanna Omollo
Forwards
Masud Juma, Michael Olunga, John Avire
Here is the final 23-man squad named by Harambee Stars coach Sébastien Migné ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt https://t.co/jazAKwqCRv#Tunaweza#BetinNaStars #AFCON2019 #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/lnQMocxTkd
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) June 11, 2019
The most interesting part of it all is that many Kenyans have expressed their belief in the squad and are fully behind the national team.
Unlike in other competitions where Kenyans always have different teams their support, their full support is behind Harambee Stars.
Of course, this is the only way to motivate the national team to work harder and bring home the trophy.
#vivaafrica2019 Always will be Harambee stars. Am sure and I believe in our boyz… 🇰🇪💪
— @njorozshemzy254 (@njorozshemzy254) June 11, 2019
Am for Kenya
— Kemei Ibrahim (@ibrahim_kemei) June 11, 2019
Harambee Stars have a slim chance. Our support converts it to a reasonable chance. I can't wait.
— Oyoo Wycklife (@oyoo_daktari) June 11, 2019
Admittedly, Kenya is going to battle AFCON giants like Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana among others. But with the strong support, Harambee Stars can go against all odds and lift the trophy.