This archive report was first published on 8 January 2020.
Published on January 8, 2020, by Samuel Gacharira.
Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok has emphasized the importance of concentration and completing the job as Kenya seeks to seal a return to the Olympics after a 16-year hiatus.
Kenya tops the standings with eight points from three matches and needs a win of any kind to secure a spot in the Olympics. Nigeria, however, has shown remarkable improvement during the tournament, having hauled themselves from the bottom of the log with a surprise 3-1 victory over Botswana.
Bitok warned, 'We have not yet qualified, we have played three matches and have one left. It’s essential that we focus and complete the job. Cameroon are down but not out, if we lose against Nigeria they can get the ticket.'
Nigeria coach Samuel Ajayi expressed his team's respect for Kenya, acknowledging their outstanding performance in the tournament. 'Kenya is a big team. We have maximum respect for them and we know they will be looking to consolidate their place. They have been outstanding in this tournament so we hope to give a good account of ourselves,' he said.
