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.
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
