Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has come to the defence of his players after a dismal performance on Thursday night where Kenya lost 5-0 to Mali in a 2022 Qatar world Cup Qualifier.Following yesterday’s shocking result, a section of fans might have felt that they watched Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup go up in flames, capped with the shambolic display and the coach wants all the blame directed to him and not to his playing unit.”I apologise to Kenyan football fans. They can blame me for the huge loss to Mali.” – Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat pic.twitter.com/eh6eF4ZFIJ— Jeff Kinyanjui (@Nyash88) October 8, 2021 Speaking after jetting back to the country just hours after the loss, the Turkish tactician urged fans to spare the players any forms of attack, noting that if they wanted anyone to blame then they should direct the same to him as opposed to the players.Firat opined that ahead of another tough match against the same opponent, he needed to have his players ready and free from any form of blame.”I apologize to the Kenya football fans especially for the first half in that match and if they want to blame somebody, they should blame me. They should let the boys concentrate on the match. If somebody has done something wrong, then it is me and not the boys. So, blame me. I need boys who will have their minds free on Sunday for the match,” Firat said.” I take full responsibility” – Engin Firathttps://t.co/BEyH7kB1fg pic.twitter.com/XtLEYRNkBo— Kelly Ayodi (@AyodiKelly) October 8, 2021 The tactician made a couple of decisions that many felt should have been done better including deploying Joash Onyango at right-back yet he is naturally a center-back.Kenya will play Mali at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday and will be seeking to make amends to the shameful result on home soil.This was the first match that the coach was in charge following his appointment to replace Jacob Ghost Mulee last month who parted ways with the Federation on mutual consent.
