Kibet backs Kenya to edge Ivory Coast in AFCON U-23 qualifier

The highly anticipated encounter presents Kenya with an opportunity to strengthen their chances of progressing to the next stage of the qualifying campaign, with Kibet expressing confidence in the team's readiness ahead of the showdown.

The Emerging Stars will look to make home advantage count as they prepare to face a technically gifted Ivorian side keen on securing a positive result away from home.

“This is a big game. Since we have home advantage, if the fans show up, we have a chance to get the win. We can then take that advantage to the second leg having won. The West African teams are big and have history, but we will be focusing on ourselves and how we approach the game. We believe we are on par in terms of ability, so we are confident we can win,” said Kibet. 

Kibet's confidence comes at a crucial moment for the Kenyan youngsters, who will need a disciplined performance, tactical awareness, and clinical finishing to overcome their West African opponents.

“This is an opportunity for us U-23 players to grow into that capability where next year we can represent Kenya in the AFCON. This here allows us to show what we are made of,” explained Kibet.

Kenya booked their place in the second round after edging Tanzania 5-4 on aggregate in the opening qualifying round. The Emerging Stars demonstrated their attacking potential in the first leg, securing a commanding victory before suffering a 3-1 defeat in the return fixture in Dar es Salaam.

Despite the setback in Tanzania, Kenya did enough across the two legs to progress, highlighting the team's ability to compete in a challenging qualification campaign.

Ivory Coast, however, is expected to provide a much tougher examination, given their reputation for producing technically gifted footballers and their experience in continental competitions.

The first-leg encounter is expected to play a significant role in determining which side takes control of the tie ahead of the return fixture in Abidjan on November 17.

The Emerging Stars will therefore hope to secure a favorable result on home soil before traveling to Ivory Coast for the decisive second leg.

For Kibet and his teammates, Wednesday's encounter offers an opportunity to demonstrate Kenya's growing ambitions in youth football and move a step closer to securing a place at the continental tournament.