'Hit them on the counter', Coach Selebwa tells Harambee Stars ahead of WCQ against Ivory Coast

Former AFC Leopards and Shabana head coach Gilbert Selebwa is confident Harambee Stars can pull off a shocker against African champions Ivory Coast tonight in Abidjan if they can hit them on the counter-attack.

The Elephants must defeat Kenya to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and Selebwa is backing the visitors to capitalize on the attack-minded approach from the hosts to grind a win.

“When you play a team that is attack-minded they will usually be at their opponent’s box hence leaving gaps at the back that can be capitalized to hit them on counter-attack.”

Stars can be expected to play safe waiting to pounce on counter and when they do this then the Elephant will have it rough,” Selebwa said.

The Mombasa United tactician has hailed what he called ‘good job’ Stars’ head coach Benni McCarthy has done since his appointment in March this year.

“Coach (Benni McCarthy) has really done a commendable job since he was appointed. He has been able to put his trust on youthful players which means he has eyes on our future.

 “I have seen how he has behaved with his team in CHAN tournament and you can clearly understand what he is doing and the type of team he is trying to build,” concluded Selebwa. 

Ivory Coast are top of Group 'F' with 23 points, one ahead of second-placed Gabon who will be hosting Burundi at the same time.