Paul Bitok: Malkia strikers stronger than ever ahead of Cup of Nations

Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok has expressed his belief that the team is stronger than before ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

After suffering a quarterfinal loss to Colombia in the Challenger Cup, the Kenyan team is determined to bounce back and make their mark in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Malkia Strikers opponents

Bitok acknowledged that they will face tough competition from formidable opponents like Tunisia, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and neighbouring countries Rwanda and Uganda. Nevertheless, the coach remains confident in his team’s abilities.

“I believe our team is much stronger than before and we are ready to face our opponents. We have also strong countries fighting for the title from Tunisia, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal and our neighbours Rwanda and Uganda.

“We want to come back home with the trophy and Olympics ticket. The team have had enough training in Morocco and France and I can assure Kenya we are ready for the competition.,” said Bitok in a statement.

Reflecting on the team’s past performances, Bitok highlighted Kenya’s impressive record against Cameroon, having defeated them five times in the world cup, world championship, and Olympics qualifiers.

However, he also noted that the team had faced setbacks in the Africa Cup of Nations, failing to clinch victory three times, with their last win dating back to 2015.

What ACN holds for Malkia Striker

This year’s Africa Cup of Nations holds special significance as the Olympics qualifying will be based on ranking. Kenya currently holds 124 points, closely followed by Cameroon with 122.

Securing a good position in the tournament is crucial for Malkia Strikers to earn their ticket to the Olympics.

“Now that the Olympics qualifying will be based on ranking the only chance to repeat the continental ticket for Malkia depends on this competition going in this year’s African Cup of Nations with 124 points followed closely by Cameroon with 122,” he added

The team will conclude their training in Velizy city and then depart for Yaounde, Cameroon, where they will continue their preparations for the competition. The tournament is set to begin on August 13 and run until August 25, 2023.