Wounded Stars out to reclaim lost steam in match against Rwanda
Kenya defender Noah Abich controls the ball during their Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup Group match against Zanzibar at the Hawassa Stadium in Ethiopia. Harambee Stars face a tough test as they lock horns with an unpredictable Rwanda in their Cecafa Senior Challenge quarter-final match Tuesday, December 1, 2015. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
Kenya had a promising start beating Uganda Cranes but ran out of steam subsequent matches.
The Amavubi have blown hot and cold in the competition, winning two of their group stage matches and losing one.
IN ADDIS ABABA
Harambee Stars face a tough test as they lock horns with an unpredictable Rwanda in their Cecafa Senior Challenge quarter-final match from 3.30pm on Tuesday at the National Stadium in Addis Ababa.
Kenya had a rather promising start to the competition, beating Uganda Cranes 2-0 in their opening group match, but ran out of steam in their subsequent matches drawing 1-1 with Burundi before capitulating 3-1 at the hands of Zanzibar Heroes.
Victory for Cranes over Burundi saw Stars sneak their way to the last eight as group runners-up.
Kenya coach Bobby Williamson knows too well what is at stake as he faces the Johnathan McKinstry-coached Rwanda side Amavubi Stars, also known as the Wasps.
The Amavubi have blown hot and cold in the competition, winning two of their group stage matches and losing one, to sail to the quarters as group runners-up on six points.
KENYA'S RED-HOT STRIKER OLUNGA
As opposed to Williamson, Mckinstry is playing his cards close to his chest ahead of the decisive clash.
Mckinstry said: “Kenya is a good side. I have watched them play and they are a team that can be dangerous on the break. They are also very physical with a very strong striker.”
This was obviously in reference to the red-hot Gor Mahia striker Michael Olunga.
The Irishman will most likely have Olunga under the watch of his defenders Celestin Ndayshimiye and Abdul Rwatubwaye. Stars, on the other hand, are wounded lions and will be eager to reassert their tournament favourites tag.
Strikers Jacob Keli and Olunga will most likely reclaim their starting role in a two-man attack.
The Scottish Kenya coach told Nation ahead of the must-win duel: “It’s good we have yet another opportunity to correct the wrongs we made.
“The boys know what is at stake and I expect a strong response from them.”
An impressive South Sudan tackle their northern neighbours Sudan in a 1pm kick-off Tuesday.
In yesterday’s first quarter-final at the National Stadium, Farouk Miya and Ceaser Okhuti scored for Uganda in their 2-0 victory over guest side Malawi.
Ethiopia then beat fancied Tanzania 4-3 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw after regulation time.
