Masoud Juma set to miss Kenya's clash with Angola

Juma was injured on Sunday in Kenya’s 1-0 win over Congo DR, at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.

In a press conference ahead of the Angola clash, McCarthy on Wednesday however gave hope to Kenyans saying the injury is not "very serious."

"We don't want to take chances, but it is not a very serious one. There are no other injury concerns apart from Masoud," the coach said.

Juma, the most experienced Kenyan striker in McCarthy's squad for CHAN, played as the centre-forward in the opening match against Congo DR on Sunday.

McCarthy could not however reveal how he is going to reorganise his team without Juma, against the Palancas Negras of Angola.

The coach acknowledged that the Angolan side has great quality, but said he has a strategy to stop them.

In his analysis, he said Angola had better statistics against two-time champions Morocco in their opening 2-0 loss to the North Africans on Sunday, which underlines their quality.

"We have seen how good they (Angola) but we have also seen their vulnerabilities. In modern football, it's not just about the passes and possession but what you finally do at the opposite goal," he said. 

Juma's absence could give way for Ulinzi Stars winger Boniface Muchiri, who came on as a late substitute against Congo DR. 

Starting Muchiri on the wing could give room for Ryan Ogam to start as a centre-forward, his natural position, having started on the wing in the Congo DR win. 

In the meantime, Gor Mahia defender Alphonse Omija has exuded confidence that Harambee Stars have the qualities needed to stop the  fancied Angola.

"We respect our opponents but we don't fear them," said Omija, who was massively credited for a goal-line clearance against Congo DR.

"We play as a team so credit is to the whole team. It was however good to be there at the right time and save the millions for the team," a smiling Omija said, referring to the Ksh. 1 million each player received from President William Ruto for winning the match. 

A win for Kenya will mean six points for the hosts, while Angola will be looking for their first win after losing 2-0 to Morocco on Sunday.