Kenya: Oliech – I Have to Score On Saturday

Charles Nyende

23 March 2011

Nairobi — Kenya and Auxerre striker Dennis Oliech has said that the do-or-die clash with Angola this Saturday will determine Harambee Stars’ destiny in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

It will be the second time Kenya will be facing Angola, the first being in 2007 when Stars beat the Palancas Negras 2-1 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

During the match, Kenya scored through Patrick Oboya and Oliech, while Angola’s consolation goal was scored by Manucho.

The Saturday match at Nyayo Stadium will be of vital importance to Kenya who last played in the African finals in 2004 and Oliech, just breaking into the international scene knows his time is running out for another appearance.

“This is the most important game for us this far. We need to win. That is the only result that will keep us going in the qualifiers,” Auxerre forward Oliech said.

Productive line

“We are getting old and need to go for the next Nations Cup, both the 2012 and 2013. I need to play two or three African finals,” Oliech said.

The speedy striker, has yet to open is account in the 2012 campaign but said he was relishing another chance playing at Nyayo Stadium.

“I have to score on Saturday. We must a get a goal in the first 20 minutes.

The team is fine. They are mature and are gelling well. I think I am on form and want to carry that spirit on Saturday. We just need support from the fans, media and administrators,” he said.

Kenya though will be worried by their lack of punch up front after going through 180 minutes of 2012 Africa qualifying football without seeing the back of the net.

Coach Zedekiah Otieno, who is taking charge of his first qualifier match, has not spoken to the press yet but will surely be pulling his hairs over forming a productive attack line. Oliech should retain the start jersey and captainship – that will be announced on Thursday.

Seven other forwards are in the reckoning, Victor Mugabe (Belgium), George “BlackBerry” Odhiambo (Randers, Denmark), Joseph Nyaga (Rangers), Allois Mangi (Western Stima), Paul Were (Tusker), Stephen Waruru (Ulinzi Stars) and Bob Mugalia (Sofapaka). Oliech was also optimistic.

“We have home advantage. We need to focus and do our part to get a win.” Stars played a practice match against Nairobi Stima yesterday at Nyayo and drew 2-2. Otieno is expected to name his final squad on Friday.

AllAfrica – All the Time