Kenya Vs Tanzania – 1PM - Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos
Duncan Ochieng'
Mohammed, Atudo, Owino, Situma
Kahata, Opiyo, Akumu
Wanga, Wafula, Keli
TANZANIA
Ivo Mapunda
Yondani, Nyoni, Aidan, Hussein
Domayo, Abubakar, Ally
Alfan, Ulimwengu, Kiemba
Hosts Kenya will be looking to reach the finals of the Cecafa challenge cup for a second consecutive year when they face Tanzania in the semi-finals of this year’s tournament at Kenya Stadium, Machakos.
Harambee Stars were losing finalists during last year’s event in Kampala where they lost to hosts Uganda 2-1 in the finals.
Adel Amrouche’s side reached the last four after defeating Rwanda 1-0 thanks to a dubious penalty converted by Azam FC defender Jockins Atudo while Kilimanjaro Stars eliminated champions Uganda 3-2 on penalties after a two all draw in normal time.
KENYA TEAM NEWS:
Coach Adel Amrouche has no injury worries ahead of the game and expects to maintain a similar side that battled Rwanda in the semis.
However, Clifton Miheso who replaced the unimpressive Noah Wafula before half time in that game may earn a starting place after his gallant performance.
Besides, no change is expected on the team.
Man to Watch – Allan Wanga:
The AFC Leopards striker skippered the Harambee Stars in the previous two games and played his heart out. Despite boasting just a single goal in the campaign, Wanga has been brilliant for Kenya being involved in most of the goals Kenya has scored in the campaign. His performance will be crucial if his side is to eliminate Tanzania.
Kenya Probable XI:
D. Ochieng (GK), J. Situma, A. Omar, J. Atudo, D. Owino. T. Akumu, P. Opiyo, F. Kahata, C. Miheso, A. Wanga (c)and J. Keli.
TANZANIA TEAM NEWS:
Kim Poulsen and Kilimanjaro Stars will miss the services of midfielder Salum Abubaker ‘Sure Boy’ who was sent off for an off the ball incident in the semi-final win over Uganda but welcome back Mkami Himid Mao who missed that game due to suspension for accumulation of two yellow cards in the group stages.
In the absence of Salum, Yanga midfielder Athman Iddi may be recalled into the starting team to patrol the midfield.
Man to Watch – Mbwana Ali Samata:
The TP Mazembe striker has scored a goal and assisted one in two games and was instrumental as Tanzania beat Uganda in the semis despite missing his spot kick in the shootout. The Harambee Stars rearguard must be alert to combat the problems he may cause them.
Tanzania Probable XI:
P. Mapunda, S. Moradi, E. Nyoni, K. Yondan (c), F. Domayo, M. Himid, A. Iddi, A. Kiemba, T. Ulimwengu. M. Samata and M. Ngassa.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Tanzania first choice goalie Ivo Phillip Mapunda plies his trade in Kenya with Gor Mahia and had a stint with Bandari FC before while Kenya defender Jockins Atudo features for Azam FC in Tanzania
- Every time Tanzania beat Uganda in a penalty shootout like they did on Saturday, they go on to win the Cecafa Challenge Cup.
- Kenya last won the Cecafa Challenge Cup in 2002 while Tanzania last won it in 2010.
-S urprisingly, Tanzania’s Ivo Mapunda is second choice to Jerim Onyango at Gor Mahia FC yet the latter is second choice to Sofapaka’s Duncan Ochieng for Harambee Stars.
- Kenya has conceded just once in the campaign; a free kick goal versus South Sudan while Tanzania has let in three goals.
PREDICTION:
Both sides have been formidable in the campaign. Kenya are hosts and play as a team for results but Tanzania boosts of players of individual brilliance like Ngassa, Kiemba and Samata who can turn a game into their favour.
Too close to call but home advantage and the 12th man will see Kenya book a place in the finals.
Kenya 2-1 Tanzania. What is your predictions
