Congo eyes victory against Kenya in Africa Nations Cup tie

Kenya are hunting for their first win in five games in 2016 but their next opponent on Sunday, Congo, have pledged to prolong their search.

Congo's head coach Pierre Lechantre said his team don't have two choices but only to win the game heading into their crucial Group E Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya's Harambee Stars in Nairobi.

The French coach, who won the AFCON in 2000 with Cameroon, has dubbed the tie a must win but has warned his team to expect a tough encounter from the hosts. Congo' s Red Devils are in high spirits ahead of the game.

"This is a very important match for us and we don't have any choice. It is either we win, or nothing. If we want to go to the AFCON, we have to work hard and get good results against Kenya," Lechantre said Sunday in Nairobi.

"Kenya is a very good team and I have watched their clips against Guinea Bissau and they don't deserve to have one point. I know they have very good players and we should treat the match very seriously," the coach said.

Congo trail group leaders Guinea Bissau by a point and are only separated from third placed Zambia on goal difference.

A loss at the hands of Kenya will complicate their chances especially if Zambia beat Guinea Bissau in the other group match.

Kenya's only point in the group came via an opening draw against 'Diables Rouges' in Brazzaville but Lechantre has said things will be different this time round as most of his foreign based players are available as compared to the first leg.

Among the players who did not face Kenya in Brazzaville is French-based striker Thievy Bifouma.

Speaking ahead of the match, the forward said his teammates are motivated to get three points against Kenya though he reckons it will be a tough task.

"Kenya is a good team, I know them for long. They have good players and we should be very strong and play seriously. But we have the belief that we can make it," said Bifouma. Enditem