Stars destiny in our hands, says bullish stand-in captain
Harambee Stars defender Musa Mohammed (right) speaks with teammate Joash Onyango after he received red card during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match between Kenya and Ghana, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on September 8, 2018.
What you need to know:
- Mohammed who captained Kenya against Ghana was on Friday named by Stars coach Sebastien Migne in a 21-man squad to face familiar Ethiopia
- Stars are second with three points in a finely balanced group with all four teams level on three points
- Victor Wanyama will hope to take over the captain's armband from Mohammed against Ethiopia after Migne offered him another chance in the team
Harambee Stars defender Musa Mohammed says next month’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group F qualifiers against Ethiopia are 'the most important' for the team.
Buoyed by the historic win over Ghana in Nairobi in this competition on September 8, Stars will next face the Walya Antelopes in Bahir Dar and Nairobi on October 10 and 13 respectively, with aim of qualifying for the continental football championship for the first time in 14 years.
Speaking to Nation Sport from Zambia where he plies his trade at topflight club Nkana FC, the 26-year old defender also emphasized the importance of maintaining the winning streak.
"We have to ensure our destiny remains in our hands heading into the final match of the competition," said the 26-year old.
Stars are second with three points in a finely balanced group with all four teams level on points.
"To achieve this, we need to strategize on how to get something from the away match (in Ethiopia) and then win at home when we host them. We have to be confident of achieving this because we defeated Ghana. These are our most important games," added Musa who has seamlessly fitted in at Zambian giants Nkana.
Meanwhile, Victor Wanyama will hope to take over the captain's armband from Mohammed against Ethiopia after Migne offered him another chance in the team.
The Tottenham midfielder missed the win over Ghana's Black Stars in Nairobi a owing to lack of fitness in a move that irritated Migne.
He played for Spurs in their losses to Watford and Liverpool in the English Premier League, and against Inter Milan in the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday.
Frenchman Migne has meanwhile made some interesting decisions, dropping Zesco United's David Owino “Calabar” who is injured, plus his teammate Jesse Were despite the striker’s rich vein of form in the Zambian league.
Were is the top-scorer in the competition with 16 goals from 22 matches.
