Sam Nyamweya: Kenya must stay focused and stop premature celebrations

Sam Nyamweya has warned Harambee Stars to stay focused and beat Ethiopia on Sunday.

In a signed statement obtained by Goal, the former Football Kenya Federation President says Kenya must be cautiously expectant because in football anything can happen.

“Ahead of Sunday's match, I have seen excitement growing among Kenyans with some getting carried away in a manner suggestive that qualification is a foregone conclusion especially with the decision by Fifa against Sierra Leone.

“Kenyans must be cautiously expectant because in football it is not over until it is over and therefore we must not celebrate at this point in time - there are two crucial matches to be played, that will determine our fate.”

Kenya are currently topping Group F after Fifa moved to ban Sierra Leone, and a win against the Walya Antelopes will take their tally of points to seven while Ghana are still on three.

Nyamweya has termed Sunday’s match as an important fixture in Kenya’s history since 15 years ago and urged fans to turn out in large numbers and support the team.

“This is a very vital match in Kenya's quest to qualify for Africa's premier soccer showpiece for the first time in 15 years and it is understandable that the whole country is highly expectant, many football fans are excited at the prospect of qualifying to Cameroon 2019.

“I must commend the playing and technical bench for having done extremely well this far, albeit under very difficult circumstances, picking themselves up from the disappointing start of the campaign to raise the country's hopes of qualifying with the win against Ghana and the draw with Ethiopia on Wednesday away from home.

“In wishing the boys the very best on Sunday and beyond, I urge Kenyans to support the team as much as they can, by turning out in large numbers at the stadium because the boys need that support without subjecting them to undue pressure.”