Seychelles Head Coach Ralph Jean-Louis

The Pirates will be aiming to shock critics with resilience and tactical discipline in their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Seychelles national team head coach Ralph Jean-Louis has issued a strong warning to Kenya’s Harambee Stars ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash on Tuesday.

After watching his side suffer a 4-0 defeat to Gabon last week, Jean-Louis insists his team will approach the next fixture with resilience and tactical discipline.

Despite the humbling loss at the Côte d’Or Sports Complex in Mauritius, the coach expressed satisfaction with his players’ fighting spirit.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

The gaffer believes the lessons learned against Gabon could be pivotal when Seychelles meet Kenya in matchday eight of the qualifiers, scheduled for 1600hrs and broadcast live by KBC.

Jean-Louis was keen to highlight his squad’s character, pointing out that his men never dropped their heads despite the deficit.

“Firstly I always accept the performance of my players against such strong opponents. The important thing is that the players continue to develop and progress as individuals and as a team,” he said in an interview with SFF.

The coach praised his team’s persistence, even as Gabon’s Denis Bouanga tore through Seychelles with a first-half hat-trick.

Substitute Yannis M’Bemba sealed the result with a late header, but Jean-Louis insists there was still much to admire in his side’s display.

“My greatest satisfaction is that we continued to play, even though we were losing, with the same character and attitude until the last minute. This shows the players commitment and engagement to try and at least score a goal,” he added.

Seychelles will look to build confidence against a Kenya side still licking their wounds from a painful 3-1 home loss to The Gambia at Kasarani Stadium.

Jean-Louis was clear about the keys to taking on Kenya, who now face mounting criticism after their latest stumble in the qualifiers.

“We should keep possession of the ball as much as possible. Limit the opponents time and space and. Create opportunities upfront and at least score a goal,” he said.

Kenya’s head coach Benni McCarthy is already under fire for leaving out most of the stars who had shone in the Chan tournament, instead fielding a lineup dominated by foreign-based players who failed to gel.

The Gambia ruthlessly exposed their weaknesses, scoring three times before halftime.

Seychelles arrives with the hunger to prove they are no pushovers.

Tuesday’s clash at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, promises to test not just Kenya’s talent but their resolve under pressure.