By John Nene BBC Sport, Nairobi

Kheri says his players are demoralised by Fifa's sanction

The coach of Kenya's national team wants to prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Tunisia by playing a friendly in an empty stadium.

Fifa, football's governing body, have compelled the Harambee Stars to play the qualifier against the African champions behind closed doors, after fans died during their previous World Cup qualifier in Nairobi.

"I want our boys to play Tanzania and Uganda without fans so that they can get a feel of what is it like to play an empty stadium," said Mohammed Kheri.

"This is the first time it's happening in Africa,'' said Kheri who will now be relying on local journalists and a few Kenyan Football Federation officials to cheer them.

"I know it'll be difficult for journalists to cheer the team and at the same time cover the match but we have no choice. We will rely on them," Kheri said.

The coach admitted that his players are demoralised by playing a home game in an empty ground and believe the Tunisians will try to make full use of the unexpected advantage.

Tunisia, along with North African rivals Morocco, are the hot favourites to qualify from Group Five.

Leaders Morocco have already complained about Tunisia facing the Kenyans in an empty stadium, as they feel the match could determine the team that snatches the sole World Cup ticket.

Meanwhile, the tug-of-war over the appointment of the KFF secretary-general is expected to be settled on Thursday.

KFF chairman Alfred Sambu will speak at a press conference to announce the new chief executive.

The KFF's executive board is divided over who is suitable for the post, with Moni Wekesa - a professor at the Kenyatta University and Dan Omino, a KFF executive member in contention for the post.