Kenya to fight for pride against Congo in AFCON qualifier in Nairobi

Congo Brazzaville national soccer team arrived in Nairobi on Friday inspired knowing a win will move them closer to qualifying for the Africa Nations Cup finals in Gabon in 2017.

However, for their host Kenya, despite standing no chance of qualifying to the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon, head coach Stanley Okumbi is upbeat they will put up their best show and earn respect as pressure mounts for his sacking.

Okumbi said Harambee Stars will not relent on Sunday when they host Congo in the penultimate qualifier at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

"We know exactly what to do. The team might be out of contention for the finals in Gabon, but we are strong mentally and ready to stake claim to the maximum points," said Okumbi, Friday in Nairobi.

Kenya is rooted bottom of Group E with a single point, picked from their opening draw with Congo.

The 2012 African Champions Zambia know they cannot lose in Guinea-Bissau if they are to have a chance of finishing top of the group and secure the automatic qualification ticket.

A win for Guinea-Bissau will take them to 10 points and on the verge of qualifying for their first-ever Nations Cup finals tournament.

Zambia are currently level on six points with Congo-Brazzaville, who play the already eliminated Kenya on Sunday.

Congo are ahead of Zambia on goal difference as their head-to-head record is identical after two 1-1 draw in March. Okumbi has not won since his appointment in February.

"Kenyans are on my neck because at the moment, we are not performing well. We will go into that match looking for a win and each of us is working hard to get that three points. It is important for our pride and also for our rankings," said Okumbi.

The coach believes the team is in top spirit to win against Congo but says they must improve on their finishing.

The Harambee Stars have been boosted by the arrival of Sweden based striker Michael Olunga who missed both of Kenya' s warm-up matches against Tanzania and Sudan.

Olunga is expected to partner Zambia based Jesse Were in attack with the latter enjoying good form having so far netted 12 goals for his Ndola based club Zesco United.

"Our biggest problem has been the lack of goals. I have top strikers in my team but I don' t understand why they can' t hit the target with the national team. I am hoping for better against Congo," Okumbi added.

Congo will need to win by a good margin and hope in the worst, Guinea Bissau and Zambia play to a draw for them to earn a chance at the top. Endit