Homeboyz won the right to play the tournament after winning the Cup, edging out Tusker FC 1-0 in the final last month, and will be keen to make an imprint of their abilities, with the focus being an ambitious slot in the group stages.
“We are very well prepared as a team and everyone is focused. It is our first time to play in this competition and there is no pressure. The players are as a matter of fact really looking forward to the duel,” head coach Patrick Odhiambo told Capital Sport after the team’s final training session at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
While Homeboyz are rookies in the competition, much can also be said about their Libyan opponents, who last played in any Continental competition in 2003.
Odhiambo says he looks forward to a tightly contested duel against the North Africans, but says they are keen to get a positive result at home to keep their hopes afloat.
“They are a good side because they have qualified to play in this competition. We expect a difficult match but as a team we are ready. The aim is to win at home which will give us a comfortable space heading into the return tie,” added the tactician.
Skipper Moses Mudavadi has echoed his coach’s sentiments, and says they are keen to ensure they win as they dream to make it to the group phase.
“We have to focus on getting a good result at home. We are ready to give our best and we just want to ask the fans to come out and support us because we will be representing Kenya, and not playing as Homeboyz,” he stated.
The midfielder,one of the longest serving players in the team, says it is a dream come true and a massive achievement for the team to get to Continental heights.
“We are not a big club but over the last 10 years, we have shown so much. Personally, it is a great achievement and for the team as well. We are determined to make the best out of this opportunity,” noted Mudavadi.
Not many of the players in the team have had international exposure, but one of those who has experience playing high pressure games is goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, who has featured for the national team and has spent four years playing in Tanzania, including for giants Yanga.
“In such games, experience is a good thing and I will use mine to guide my teammates so that we do well. We are determined to go all the way to the group stages. We know we don’t have much experience but that is why it is a team sport and we will support each other to achieve our dream,” stated the custodian.
The game will be played on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium, at 3pm.
