Spain-based Aldrine Kibet has called on Kenyan football fans to turn up in large numbers at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday as Kenya U23 prepare to take on Ivory Coast in the second round of the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.The Celta Vigo B attacking midfielder believes the Emerging Stars have what it takes to overcome the West Africans and has urged supporters to play their part as Kenya seeks a positive result in the first leg before travelling to Abidjan for the return fixture on 17 November.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104647##“We have the advantage of playing at home in the first leg, and if the fans turn up in numbers, I think we have a very good opportunity to win the game and take a positive result into the second leg,” Kibet said.The highly rated midfielder, who missed Kenya's first-round assignment against Tanzania due to work permit issues in Spain, is now available for selection and adds quality and creativity to Anthony Kimani's squad.Kibet is among the emerging talents in Kenyan football, having represented the country at U18, U20, and U23 levels before earning an opportunity with the senior national team, Harambee Stars.Fred Ambani praises Ikara, raises concern over Leopards' poor finishingHe has also featured for Kenya at the CECAFA U20 Championship and the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, experiences he believes have been instrumental in his development.“This is also an opportunity for us as U23 players to grow and develop our capabilities ahead of the possibility of representing Kenya at next year's AFCON. It gives us a platform to showcase what we can do and helps us develop as players,” he added.Despite acknowledging the rich football tradition of West African nations, the midfielder insists Kenya should approach Wednesday's contest with belief rather than be intimidated by their opponents' pedigree.“It is true that West African teams have a rich football history and tradition, but our focus is on ourselves and how we approach the game. We believe we have the same ability as them. In the past, we have not always managed to demonstrate that, but we are going into this match believing that we can win,” he stated.McCarthy threatens FIFA, CAF action over unpaid salaries as Harambee Stars face South AfricaKibet also reflected on the importance of representing Kenya at different youth levels, noting that international competitions provide young players with valuable exposure and opportunities to attract interest from clubs abroad.“Having represented Kenya at the U18 and U20 levels has played a big role in my development and helped me reach where I am today. Tournaments such as the AFCON give young players valuable exposure, with scouts from abroad coming to watch and identify talent. They provide a platform for players to attract opportunities with clubs outside the country,” he explained.“It has been a pleasure representing Kenya at U18 and U20 level, and now being part of the U23 team is another important opportunity for me and many other young talents to continue growing.”Wanyama, Oliech lead star-studded Harambee Stars Legends squad to face Arsenal LegendsKenya will host Ivory Coast at Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday, November 11, before travelling to Abidjan for the second leg on November 17.The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualifying round of the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also serve as the qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.'Now that is Matano' – KCB head coach bullish after dramatic win over APS Bomet
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