Kenya coach resigns before AFCON qualifiers

AFRICAN FOOTBALL

Kenya coach Francis Kimanzi and two members of his staff resigned on Tuesday, just weeks before the resumption of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the country's football federation said.

Kimanzi, who was Frenchman Sebastien Migne's assistant when Kenya qualified for the finals for the first time in 15 years in 2019, left by "mutual consent".

"The federation is immensely grateful to coach Kimanzi and his departing members of staff, that include assistant coach Zedekiah Otieno and goalkeeper trainer Lawrence Webo, for their exemplary work, dedication and unrivalled professionalism, which has strengthened Kenya's chances of qualifying for the AFCON 2022 final tournament," Football Kenya Federation  chief executive Barry Otieno said in a statement.

Kimanzi's departure comes three weeks before Kenya host Comoros in a Group G qualifier in Nairobi.

Kenya are second, with two points, behind the islanders, who top Group G with four points. Egypt and Togo are also in the group.

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resume on November 9 after being postponed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The final tournament has been postponed until January 2022.