Wangaya backs Emerging Stars to cruise past Ivory Coast in AFCON qualifier

Kenya heads to the return leg with a 2–1 advantage after Wednesday’s first-leg victory at Nyayo National Stadium. Henry Omollo and Andreas Odhiambo scored for the hosts, while Oumar Konaté found the net for Côte d’Ivoire.

Wangaya says the team will prepare thoroughly for the second leg, acknowledging that it will not be easy.

“We know it is not going to be easy, but we believe in ourselves and in our teammates. We have to prepare well for the second leg and come up with different plans while maintaining the same commitment we showed in the first match,” said Wangaya.

Head coach Anthony Kimani has, however, warned his players against becoming complacent following the first-leg victory, insisting that the job is not yet complete.

“We have won the first battle, not the war,” Kimani said, cautioning that the Ivorians will come out strongly when playing at home.

Kimani has urged his players to be confident, remain brave and take their chances, saying Kenya must focus on playing their own game.

The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with kick-off at 10 p.m. East Africa Time.

The winner on aggregate will advance to the final qualifying round.

Report by Oliver Okingo