- Advertisement -

Changes Migne should make to give Stars a chance against Tanzania

- Advertisement -

In their first match at the African Cup of Nations, Harambee Stars portrayed the worst performance Kenyans have seen ever since Sebastien Migne took charge of the team. It was the first time under the French tactician that the team has lost by a margin of more than one goal.

The team had a successful time under Migne prior to the competition having not trailed at halftime until they faced the Desert Foxes. What went wrong? Harambee Stars fans demand an explanation from Migne as the performance was not what the fans expected.

It was indeed a terrible performance with some terming it the worst of the tournament so far. Harambee Stars did not even have a single shot at goal as the team struggled to even have a five consecutive complete passes.

As Kenya faces the Taifa Stars on Thursday in a match that will see one team confirm its exit from the tournament. Both Kenya and Tanzania lost their first match of the tournament hence making the match a must win for both teams.

Migne needs to make several changes in the team to give Kenya a chance against Tanzania. Perhaps have a plan that will be seen as an effort because players seemed to be out of position in the Algeria match.

[Read: Harambee Stars fizzes to despair in uninspiring AFCON defeat]

Ismael Gonzalez for Dennis Omina Odhiambo

Odhiambo played well during the qualifiers and deserves a chance to play but judging on his performance last night Gonzalez would have performed better. Odhiambo’s tackle that caused the penalty leading to the first goal was uncalled for. The Sofapaka man was not close enough to Youcef Attal to successfully make the slide tackle.

Comparing Gonzalez to Odhiambo, the former has had vast exposure playing in La Liga and has played against the World’s top players and teams while the latter has only played in South Africa apart from his time at Thika United and current club Sofapaka.

Getting Aboud Omar some support

Aboud is the first choice left back but he was among the poorest performers in the Algeria match. He struggled making tackles and could not contain Algerian Captain, Riyadh Mahrez. As much as Kenyans are pointing fingers at Aboud for giving Mahrez too much space, he might have played his best but just lacked support from the left winger.

Ayub Masika Timbe was the one supposed to track back to provide defensive support. However, Timbe is not famous for defending as he is always an attack minded player. Migne, on the other hand, is a defense minded coach.

The best option the tactician has is to use the second choice left back as a left winger. Timbe is very talented and can play in either wings and can get a different position in the team. Eric Ouma, the second choice left back, can provide good cover for Omar in the match against Tanzania.

New attacking tactics

Not necessarily new attacking tactics but just an attacking tactic would be beneficial. Kenyans did not see any attacking tactic from the team questioning the coach’s preparation for the tournament.

Ever since Migne joined Stars, it has been evident that he is a defensive minded coach. A tactic that seems to have worked for the team during the qualifications. This is the AFCON finals and advancing to the next stage is impossible if the team does not score any goal.

Kenya did not have any attempt saved by the Algerian goalkeeper. Olunga spent a fair share of the match period tirelessly chasing the ball as the Algerian defence to build up play from the back. Olunga could have found  the back of the net had he received more balls from the midfield and the defense.

[See also: Harambee Stars AFCON preparations in a nutshell; no excuses for Kenya]

- Advertisement -
Kevin Namunwa
Kevin Namunwahttp://www.businesstoday.co.ke
Kevin Namunwa is a senior reporter for Business Today. Email at [email protected].
- Advertisement -
Must Read
- Advertisement -
Related News
- Advertisement -

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here