Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has said he is fully to blame for Kenya’s annihilation by Mali in their third match of the 2022 World Cup qualification.
Firat: Blame me for Mali loss, not the players
Football | October 10, 2021
The Stars were for five without reply in the Group E match away in Morocco to remain third in the group with two points and now have their hopes of making it for their maiden World Cup appearance hanging by a thread.
It was Firat’s first match in charge following his appointment on a two-month contract to replace Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, who was sacked last month.
“I take the opportunity to apologise to Kenya fans [especially] for the first half,” the Turkish tactician told the media after Harambee Stars arrived back home from North Africa,” Firat was quoted by Goal.
“If [fans] want to blame somebody then it should be me. But the [players] should be left to concentrate on [the Sunday match against the same opponent]. I need the [players] to have their minds free… for the match.”
Kenya play Mali in a return match on Sunday in Nairobi, a must-win fixture if they are to resuscitate their already slim chances. Uganda will be hosting Rwanda in the other group encounter.
PHOTO/COURTESY