Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma praised Kenyan fans for their unexpected support, which he believes played a crucial role in their victory over Harambee Stars.
Gabon national football team head coach Thierry Mouyouma has revealed how Kenyan fans unknowingly contributed to their 2-0 win over Harambee Stars in their World Cup qualifier match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Tons of fans flooded the stadium in support of Harambee Stars but the results turned out in favour of Gabon.
The Panthers captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a brace to maintain their lead with 15 points in Group F as Harambee Stars maintained their fourth position with six points.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had all good things to say about Kenyans after scoring twice to all but end Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualification hopes.
Before the match, Thierry Mouyouma anticipated a tough show and knew that the fans would play a huge role in determining how the match would turn out.
“Playing away in Africa is always tough, and we know the Kenyan fans will rally behind their team. But we are focused on playing our game,” he said.
“I played against Kenya 28 years ago. East African teams have a similar style, but football has changed a lot over the last 30 years.”
However, following Ivory Coast’s victory over Gambia on Monday night, Gabon have been pushed to second place with the West African nation climbing to the top with 16 points.
Speaking about Gabon’s match against Kenya, Thierry Mouyouma revealed that the worst result they expected was a draw but luckily, they emerged on top.
He explained that it had been a long time coming since Gabon played in front of a sold-out stadium and that might have greatly contributed to their dominant display over Harambee Stars.
)
Karabo Letebele is embracing his newfound fame after shocking Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, with a stunning victory at the ASA Grand Prix.
Mouyouma added that the Kenyan fans had a lof of respect accorded to them, making it easier for them to play with ease.
“As I said yesterday, we came for this kind of match, we wanted to win and if not a win, we wanted a draw at least. Fortunately for us, we had the win,” he explained in a post-match interview in a video shared by FKF TV.
“Other teams don’t play at home and so we hadn’t played against a team where the stadium was fully packed so we really appreciated it.
)
These jets illustrate the luxurious lifestyle that comes with being a top-tier football player and each has unique features and capabilities.
“Thanks as well to the Kenyan fans, they were behind the home team and they respected us a lot. That’s very important for us.”
He did not downplay the fact that the qualifiers are always a tough outing and playing against Harambee Stars would certainly not be a walk in the park especially under the guidance of new coach Benni McCarthy.
He explained that in their away matches against Burundi, they always played in Tanzania and the experience was totally different. Gabon’s recent match against the Seychelles, where they secured a 3-0 win was played on home soil at the Stade de Franceville.
“As you know, the World Cup qualifier is tough and then since we started, it is the first time for us to play in this kind of stadium because as we know, Burundi plays in Tanzania,” he added.
Gabon’s next match is scheduled for September, where the Panthers are set to kickstart their campaign against Seychelles. Harambee Stars will continue their World Cup campaign in their return leg match against Gambia.
