NAIROBI, May 9 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's national football team Harambee Stars will play Gambia and Madagascar in their final build-up ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts in Egypt on June 21 to July 19.

"The friendlies are confirmed. We will play two in France before going to Egypt," Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa said on Thursday.

Harambee Stars are likely to play Gambia on June 7 and Mauritania on June 15.

"Gambia is a better opponent. They drew against Algeria in the qualifiers and they will also be camping in The Netherlands," he commented, adding that they are negotiating with two other teams for friendlies but the window is fast closing.

Mwendwa revealed that Kenya has turned down friendly requests from hosts Egypt, three-time champions Nigeria, Tunisia and Cote d'Ivoire.

The Kenya team is expected to depart for Paris on May 31 for a 19-day residential camp, which will be held at French Rugby Federation, Marcoussis Cedex. This will be the longest period coach Sebastain Migne to stay with the players since taking charge.

"The coach wanted a training venue that is not so cold. Paris offers that and when we descend in Cairo, the players will have time to acclimatize," said Mwendwa.

Harambee Stars will be making a return to the continental showpiece after 15 years. Kenya are in Group C alongside Algeria, Tanzania and pre-tournament favorites Senegal. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)