Patrick Matasi has admitted he got his timing wrong as Harambee Stars lost 1-0 to the Black Stars of Ghana on Saturday.
The 83rd-minute goal by debutant Caleb Ekuban was enough to hand the West African nation a top spot in the group, condemning Kenya to a second place finish.
Matasi, who turns out for Ethiopian giants St. George, has, however, pointed out the need to support the team all the way to the finals to be held in Egypt starting June this year.
"We lost the ball in the midfield, and our defenders were beaten and it was unfortunate for us to concede at that time.