Kenya: We Don’t Fear Our Opponents But We Respect Them, Says Ismailya’s Wofee

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Chris Mbaisi

1 April 2011

Egyptian giants Ismaily tactician Mark Wofee is confident that his side will eliminate Kenya’s Sofapaka from the Confederations Cup competition at Nyayo Stadium tomorrow.

The Dervishes go into tomorrow’s match carrying a two goal advantage and coach Wofee believes they have the capacity to defend their lead and advance to the next stage. The Egyptian side arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday and held a light training session at City Stadium ahead of the crucial return leg encounter. “We respect Sofapaka very much because they are such a good side but I can assure you we don’t fear them. We will definitely seek to kill the game and that means we will go for the away goal. But I also believe that we can defend our two goal advantage to advance,” said Wofee.

He said Ismaily is in Nairobi on a mission to beat Sofapaka and they are keen to achieve it. “We will play our usual game of attacking and defending because we need goals to be assured of winning the match. Sofapaka is a good side but we know we are better than them.”

Wofee said his current team boosts seven players who play for the Egyptian national team and he believes they are equal to the task. ” All will depend on how we start the game,” he added. The coach, however, admitted that it will not be easy against Sofapaka and they will be required to work extra hard.

He said he rates Sofapaka very highly considering they have very good and talented players. “They gave us a very big scare in the first leg match. Until the end of the match tomorrow, I still believe they are a strong side capable of winning. I have told my players to play collectively if we have to enhance our hopes of advancing.”

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