Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae says they won't underrate Kenya in their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier despite starting as favourites in Tuesday's match in Lilongwe Malawi.
The Elephants coach admitted that Kenya, led by captain Michael Olunga, is a tricky team that can not be wished away.
"We have to maintain our composure and game plan to get a good result against Harambee Stars. Kenya drew 1-1 with Burundi in their Match Day 3 and we have to be at the top of our game to stop them in the match because they badly need the three points as the home side," said Fae.
The Elephants beat Gabon 1-0 in their last qualifier to maintain the top spot in Group F with nine points from three games.
Fae believes they must keep their composure to maintain their run despite starting as favourites.
The former Arsenal man, who led the Ivorians to the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Abidjan, maintained that his status changed and a lot is expected from him by home fans.
This, he said gives him the motivation to qualify for the Fifa World Cup, having missed the previous bonanza in Qatar in 2022.
He also wants to qualify for the 2026 Afcon in Morocco and retain their title. Fae has no new injury scares but Borussia Dortmund star Sebastian Haller was seen training alone with a physio during their last session Monday evening.
Meanwhile, Ivorian forward Amani Lazare of the Belgian side, Royal St. Gulloine maintains Kenya is a good side but he is confident of picking maximum points from the East African side.
